FIFTH REPORT
oF THE
PRISON ASSOCIATION
NEW-YORK:
INCLUDING A LIST OF
THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
ALBANY:
WEED, PARSONS & Co., PUBLIC PRINTERS,
Prison,
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OFFICERS OF THE PRISON ASSOCIATION OF NEW-YORK FOR
1851
President.
HON. WILLIAM TT. McCOUN,
Justice of Supreme Court.
Vlee Presidente.
ABRAHAM VAN NEST, Esq.,
Merehant.
HON. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER,
HON. JOHN W. EDMONDS,
Justice Supreme Coprts
HON. JOHN DUER, L. L. D.,
Judge Superior Court.
‘Treasurer.
WILLIAM CHAUNCEY, Esq.,
Merchant.
Recording Secretary,
THOMAS GALLAUDET,
Prof, Deaf and Dumb Institut
Corresponding. Secretary.
JOHN D. RUSS, M. D.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Chairman,—JOHN W. EDMONDS.
Finance Committe
CYRUS CURTISS, RICHARD H. MANNING,
Dr. KE. PARMLY, CHARLES M. LEUPP,
ISRAEL RUSSELL, WILLIAM CHAUNCEY,
FREEMAN HUNT, WILLIAM Woop,
ALFRED PELL.
Detention Coot
JOSEPH MEKEEN, TOWN H. KEYSER,
SWInLiAM ©. RUSSEL, JouN BIGELOW,
ARRER BENEDICT, ‘GEORGE £. BAKER,
JOAN HOPPER, 3 BEISWORTH MATHER,
WM. WALN DEINE, WM, GILLMAN
«Pe HnODORE A. TEELEAMEP,
prim Dine Commie F ecun oa
sou 908 Wnlnis HALL, HONORARY MEMBER OF
oan wun Jous's GouED,
age aaa 68S OH nNeERLAD
"oan. robs A caro
oH GnlBCO3, Me Da sa rt NCRE
‘THE PRISON
1 King of Swalen and Norway.
ryt On comnte
WILLIAM C, ROGERS, CORRESP(
aoe ose, VE 23 NDING MEMBERS.
1a er EROURY, Be FoRgUEAS
TeAAG LEWIS ES DENEEN2, Mpipe da Conte General da Departement i
CHARLES PART IDG VET, ‘Arehiteet du Gouxernmeat. ee
Tapas of Great Britain
EE eae sat of
De VERDEIL Stomper of the ‘Great conned’ Vice Bh
‘CoUNT BE rr Dh tonto ta i
RPE Be i ce iis Padtonsor of Muscovy and Helios Lat
ae finjelpia eres
Ghetalier of the &
1° Legion of Honor, Trance.
ee Se.
State of New=Bork,
_No. 198.
IN ASSEMBLY. APRIL 4, 1850.
Fifth Annual Report of the New-York Prison Association,
New-York, April 5, 1850.
To the Hon. the Sreaxea,
Of the House of Acsembly of the State of New-York:
‘Sm—In compliance with the sixth section of the charter of the
‘New-York Prison Association, I herewith transmit the Fifth Report
of said Association, and request that you will present the same in
Dehalf of the Association to that body over which you have the
honor to preside.
Tam very respectfully,
‘Your obedient servant,
JOHN D. RUSS,
Cor. Sec'y Prison Association.
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
Ofthe Executive Committee of the Prison Association
of New York. :
‘The opposition which the committee has had to encounter from
the state prison inspectors, has materially cixcumseribed ils opera-
tions during the past year ; so that the duty of inspection imposed
by tho Legislature has only been performed in relation to the prisons
in our own immediate vicinity.
At the commencement of the late session of the Legislature, the
spectors, in their annual report, directed attention to the fact th
the Prison Association, represente by committee on the 12th of
July, 1843, claimed the right to enter the prison at Sing Sing un-
attended by any officer thereof, and take such action as they thought
proper. The inspectors say they ‘understand that free access to
the prison or any part of the prison premises, and a full access to
their books, records, or other papers, with every facility for prosecu-
fing any enquiries they might desire, was tendered to the committee
by the warden, bat that he declined to surrender, for the time being,
the whole power of the prison into their hands and permit them to
proceed wholly unattended by any of its authorities These facilities
‘were not satisfactory, and proceedings by mandamus were com-
‘menced to enforce the recognition of the extraordinary power thus
claimed, which are still pending.
“The Prison Association claims the exercise of this authority
under the sixth section of its act of incorporation. If this claim
be valid to the extent preferred, an irresponsible committee of an
responsible society may at any time supercede the authority of the
prison officers, suspend the jurisdiction of the inspectors of state
prisons, and take the management of the aifairs of the prisons into
their own hands. If they may do it once a year, they may twice or
a dozen times—if they may do it for a day, they may do it for a
week or a month.”
10 [Assent
Ttscems incumbent upon us to make some effort to disabuse the
public mind in this regard.
In making s0 serious a charge against on institution, feshioned
‘and designed to be a co-worker with them in the great fell of prison
labor and reform, it was to have been expected, from the high stand-
ing and olfcial character of the inspectors, that they would at least
have accurately informed therselves of the facts. Unfortunately for
the ispectors, in their zeal to condeton others, they were little care~
ful of their own reputation ; and suffered themselves to represent the
action of this committee in a light entirely different from what is
true and just. ‘The association has never claimed any power not
delegated to it by its charter 5 which simply confers the same powers
in relation to stale prisons as have been exercised for many years by
the inepeetors of county prisons. The assertion that the association
demanded for one instant to suspend the government of the prison
‘officers in relation to the convicts, or to subvert or suspend the
ordinary business of the institution, is entirely groundless ; and
knowing, as they could have known if they had taken the precaution
to enquire, that such was the case ; itseems unaccountable that they
should have subjected themselves to the morification of fat and
unequivocal contradiction. In the exercise of the powers con-
erred upon vs by our charter, the eominitte have, even at great per=
sonal inconvenience, been so enutious about interfering with the Ine
or and disei;line of the prison, that they have suspended all special
and particular exaaination of the prisoners during the hours of labor,
vnless their visits were otherwise specially arranged by the wardens
themselves, and hove either repaired to their cells at meal times or
after the hours of locking up, even to procure those statistics which
the committee have heretofore collected ; using the hours of labor to
examine the keepers, the accounts, the conduct of the work sho
the provisions, kitchen, and other objects of interest and inquiry
Is. there in this any sabrersion of the order or discipline of the
prison ; any taking of the management of the prison into their owa
hands? The only appearance of even a momentary suspension of
authority is while the prisoner, confined in his cell, with all the bolts
and bars in their places, converses for some two'or three minutes
ith a member of the committee, Is this abstracting him from the
cconttol of the officers During that very time they can exercise all
their rights over him as fully and completely as thoogh the committee
were not there ; and even the time necessary for the examination
will be in future materially curtailed, since the adoption by the
Wo. 198] {0.7 u
‘Legislature for use in the prisons of the tables for collecting statistics,
first presented in our third report. —
We coniler thin power of person) examination of prisoners
separate dapat fom the Keer; a terial pont Aloagh
ve attach ot ile vale to, the uncortborated. eatinony of eee
ct, we oll etieve tha i wil afond a ean, and’ eetepe
mnany instances, the oly elie, by which abuses ean he arsroed
tnd exposed. We therefor insist onthe importance af e nena
and pate eration of eer prisoner an anton tbe
ture, whch in nine cares ont often perhopy, tay be onmrcseed
by the question, Have yon anything. You wish to communion ea
the commitee? and terainaed by the answer, No, nothing, foe
Doglet of sich personal exrnination, we tribaetheleenegt fate
of legislative committees to discover even abanes which hed been
setter a8 (0 call frien The cones vat he
which they fad i diet evento procure the fat ems” The eae,
deo and keepers know the prisoners in whom they can conf, ca
whom to send to the cownltee. The patincs of We erasinen
gradually wenrs out; they chee their labor and etna tothe hones
Intute, peshaps blinded as tothe existence of shuns, and veel
Jnto general and unreasing commendation, While hed thy wae
¢d the tedious plan ofthe peronal examination of ench poster
in bic cell separate and apart from bis Keeper, In he ht eens
tnd ciroborted or retited. his testinony by sulaeguent eenateee
tin of the officers under eath, as is our custom, thee conel
would have been entirely diferent An examinstfon tobe honey
wot be eondcted inthis way me ces
The only reson why the prison authors objet more to the ex
amination of the Association than to that o! a
2 [Assrnmur
suggestion introduced with euch a Aourish that discharged
con ee Nconae embers of the Associaton, and. vst on
caacee orth lawyers may seek the prion to enable them t0
Serena grchable business in pardons, ax it vill apply a8 freiby,
NE rea ainety to inspeciors a8 tothe members of the
wren, needs no further comment. But, say the inspectors in
ae they are to have the charge and superintendence of
Se nad appoint all the ofcers heel,” a the Cone
sittin sepia and the officer are to be hell responsible forthe
Free SP i duiesddned by fhe nc im elation fo. county and
et wll seem Dat reasonable that visiting comes
se reoetaileuuociationsbouh ist lai the prison ofthe
caer thepriso, and so exercise thei authority under such
ia ihay sul determine tobe neseary Such a Tniaton
rer netanewoald be sery acceptable othe sectors est would
sia ete inporaare by placing tun on Bigher pinnae, =
aa tke fom stservation, and alfwring them the enviasle di
peng at to communicate tothe Lexar thi tila
saan ces ibe come of prion dseiplin, as well at their me
glet of daly or abuse of power
Bot it may be well uestioned whether they are a proper deposi-
toy af such a trust, ‘The natoral ference is, that whatever of
Mea they may have perormed wil be extolled beyond it desert 5
aivle the wrenge they have permitted, the duties they have neglet=
cavand the abuses they have sulfered, are reported ap the aecesary
Stats of discipline, or what is store likely, passed Uy in. silence
C Iwrunuing over the whole series of reports, from the foundation of
war rian get up to the present. period) we believe no instance
an be funigted in whigh the Tospectors have ever reportel their
aon eile in day. But cam t be supposed that no such exists
tne wares of
tiouar, ut is uneratood that head repeateily brought the sublect
edge of the governors.
‘prison should be exonerated from any blame in this par
wo. 198 1849 a
‘What did the first examination of our prisons by this Association de-
elope? Fraud, peculation and barbarity ; charges clearly and distinct-
ly made in our Fourth Report, (see pages 13 and 14, Assembly Docu-
ment No, 243) which bave met no denial, and which of themselves
alone, show the necessity of just such examinations as the law makes
it our duty, and we claim it our right, to institute,
Bat not a word of these matters ever reached the public eye, or
were even brought fo the attention of the Legislature through the
Tnspectors ; and perhaps had it not been for our examinations, would
have still continued unknown and unrecressed. Such are the induce-
ments to ‘commit excesses of a similar nature, and such under ordi
nary circumstances the facilities for their concealment, that previous
to the examinations of our Committee, they were of frequent occur-
rence and that they still exist, and are the principal cause of the
opposition to the exercise of the powers conferred in the ebarter of
this Association will it is believed, be made apparent by a perusal
of the following statements, if the testimony on which they have
been made is considered worthy of credit and consideration.
1848, April 13, (No, 489 Register No. 1, page 176), sentenced
for five years for forgery ; discharged 12th inst.; says the Warden
(Wells) broke his cane over the head of a blackman, for accidental-
Jy letting a file fall which broke ; also says that the cat has been
applied in several instances.
April 19, (No. 442 R. No. 1, p. 192,) sentenced for five years
and four months, for passing counterfeit money. Says Lent struck
S. Ackerman over the head and cut ity they care nothing for the
comfort oF convenience of ‘the prisoners.
April 21, (No. 44 R.No. 1, p, 265) ; colored 5 sentenced three
years and four months ; discharged the 16th iust. Says that A. HL
‘Wells the warden or his deputy Mr. Lent knocked a man down that
‘was put in the bath.
August 7,(No. 477 R. No. 1, p. 218), sentenced for two years
discharged 21st last month. Says that a prisoner by the name of
Barney Smith complained of being unveell and left his work to go
to the Hospital and on the way he met Robert Lent ; they had some
words when Lent fell upon him and beat him upon the head and oth-
et parts of his person with his club mast unmercifully and then lock-
el him up in bis cell. After he had been in his cell about an hour,
‘Walls the Warden, ordered him taken out; assoon as he stepped oat
“ [Assman
Dot his cet, Wells seized him bythe colar and fel to beating in Wi
of el le aed i ey fon ie Heh
ws heahower Afr gvng im tt Wells 9
the shoe a forbs whips Twas arg bikory ack with
tha ie the ar eo i Wi is whip Walls bet
acowle fastened ands ant shoulers il the blood ra PrO-
taan while meet ena he wore the whip, ctirely out hough
fea rr Be Sbered it to pecer. Legge, Webby and Hale,
strong one be itsmed the abore 5 sage be aw Lent chase & man
aan pia the shower bah, eating ht all the ay with
from the Hey ie lowing, ater, Te i oite = common, 002.
Mis cane a Wells and Lent eating the prisoners wit that
venee ip clabey sys the prison is not ia as good order =
D. Gordon Kept it
1, p. 255) Sentenced for two
ene ae aeapt to rs escharged 11th ints flly confirm the
year for an ate the other persons who have lately bean, dis
ee eetced in the prison at Sing Sing;
oe Dyna Blt jhe says the provi
oy athe prison is not as good a8 it
Dy Gordon, aa the peis-
he warden, and the
Bugust 19, (No. 480, R. Now
wes when under th
“he are ot an well ans
one fers often, beat the men i
weit atrpt to resist a Keper el
area to defend Mmsl he prisoners at
wo ciao preralent in prion to the el
foo.
12, R, No. 1, p. 289.) Sentenced for two
for grand larceny; discharged 4th inst.5
‘Robert Lent strike a prisoner
© peared to be of weak intellect ; the prison is not fn oe oni:
: —
August 31. (No. 495, R. No. 25 p.
for counterfeiting and passing eouaterfet coin
‘22d inst ; he was pardoned in consequence of
8) Sentenced for five years
‘coin; discharged by pardon
I health, which he
q
i944
No. 198.) J cr
thinks was occasioned by the unwholesome quality of the food which
he says is extremely bad, and has been so for several months ; and
hhe has not a doubt but to that cause may justly be attributed the
sickness and mortality that has been so prevalent in the prison; they
have for dinner, rice, bad molasses, bread, and a small piece of meat
encrusted with salt, thrown together in the same vessel which makes
4 mess very unpalatable and disgusting ; he now bas the scurvy very
Yad, occasioned by the unwholesome quality of the food ; the war~
den’and other keepers often beat the prisoners very severely with
their canes for small ofences ; Wood thiaks that Parkinson died for
the want of suitable diet and attention,
September 13. (No. 498, R. No. 2, p. 12.) Sentenced for two
years, for grand larceny; discharged 9th inst.5 she says that the fe-
male prison has not been as well conducted since it has been in
charge of Mrs. Farlin, as it was previously ; that she was punished
more in four weeks after Mrs. Farlin was the matron, than she was
the fourteen months that Mrs Farnbam was matron ; she also says
that when the women misbehave Mrs. Farlin complains to the wat
den, and that he comes to their apartment and beats them with his
September 15. (No. 499, Reg. No. 2, p. 13.) Sentenced for five
years for attempt to commit a burglary; discharged 14th instant.
Ve brings with him a letter signed by Richard H. Wood and James
Williamson, keepers, in which they state that they “ most cheerfully
certify to the correct conduct of _ late convict, and this day dis
charged by reason of expiration of the term of sentence, and most hearti-
Ty recommend him to all who may require his services, as being fully
reclaimed.”
(Signed) RICHARD H, WOOD, Keeper.
JAMES WILLIAMSON, Keeper.
Sept, 14, 1848,
This man confirms the accounts that all the discharged convicts
give of the harsh conduct of Wellsand Lent, He says he saw Lent
strike a man by the name of Wilson, who was of weak intellect,
very severely, as he was on his way to the bath. He frequently
heard of the men being beaten and grossly abused, On one occa
sion, when Mike Wash was passing through the prison, some of the
Prisoners struck their kids against the walls, hoping to take
tention. The warden could not distinguish the offenders from th
reat of the prisoners, and to make sure of punishing the guilty ind
ie [Assractr
widusls, be ordered that all the prisoners should have rice withent
Tinea. for their suppers, and dry bread the next moming for
Breakfest, ‘The prisoners ate not as well satisfied as they were
vTTR ML D. Gordon was Keeper. He says that the keepers
voit ‘convicts, on their discharge, mgt to call upon the Prison
Waris tian, One of the Keepers told him that we were a set of
highway robbers.
September 18. (No. 600, Reg. No. 2p. 16.) Colored, sst-
tenedd for fve years for grand larceny; discharged 13th inst. Ale
eaetthat Wels and Lent feequently knock the men doven, as if ¢hey
way eam. When ordered tothe bath, if the men make any come
Tint or hesitate’ moment, they knock then down without cere
mony.
September 19. (No. 601, Reg. No. 2, p, 16.) Sentenced for Se
years for burglarys discharged 6th inst, He eonfms the acconntt
at al give who leave Sing-Sing, viz: That the wardens a man of
Mialent passions, and very iregular in. his deportment towards the
Frisoners; sometimes he will speak to them Kindly, and of ‘other
Bes, without any provocation, in the harshest manner, and often
times: them with bis cane. ‘The other keepers are allowed to beat
the prisoners with their canes very cruelly. On one oecasion a Ge
ae iar grdeved to leave his bed, and because be did not immedi
wtely obey, being very sick, Williamson went into his oom and Seat
Hey Siti came most shamefully. ‘The prisoners have been used bad)
Eutihere has been some improvement in that respect, since the com~
vr ktee of this Association were refused admittance into the prison
for the purpose of inspection.
‘Acconviet by the name of Jones, had escaped from the prises,
and was recaptured. He says that after he was surrounded by OF
aan eee ree chet it was imposible fo escape, Williamson, one of the
Keepers, roshed in between the men who surrounded him, and shot
hima, and wounded him severely.
On the 2th day of last June, a man by the name of Bamey, of
ak intellect, was beaten by Robert Lent and other keepers tl he
lod ran out of his mouth and nose.
September 20, (No. 602, Reg: No. 2,p. 18.) Sentenced fo 8
yeartand ton moat for forgery, and discharged 10 inst sys 08
Yeorjen is very rauch under the influence of Robert Lent, and the
sie ury pasionate; Wells is very unsteady in bis temper a0!
Is
No. 198. 7 ”
been infortned that Lent strikes the prisoners with the knowled
ime there has been some bef, that is til
neni 28d. (Ne 02, Reg. No, fp 18) Sentenced for
ree years for perjury ; pardoned and discharged a few days ago.
He states that the provisions are very bad, and tks that the great
; afoot; Wels, when addrewing. the
viene told them the provisions that they were supplied Sith
bs a gon as those supplied from his own table; when at the time
1e said 80, they were as bad as he ever knew them to be; We Is
oe ene over hel franglo te pence; be
0 struck a man in the face when about putting im ia the bath 5
Lent is the principal keeper ; Well i
Aen ics sien Une, ll a cry ee
the prisoners with ¢!
sowat of the prison ; Wells and Lent often beat
h ir canes ; they aud some of the other keepers
often use profane Janguage ; Jobn Lent is a drunkard. is
Sip 2, (So. 8 Ia. No.2 25). Seed for the
santa dete kept ee by hea geal t
Iori oor eran he tf som
ship which they use to drive the oxen wi
sieht he with and beat a man that was
Oct. 24. (No, 509, Keg. No. 2,
years for burglary
prison
No. 2, p80.) Sentenced for three
says that Wells he warden fe very at
that he has not human feeli 7 aaa”
Od. 9. (No. 912, Reg. No. 2, p. 33.) Sentenced for two years.
No. 512 and anoth: had
eg .er woman had some difference in the shop, When
12 gave. the olber woman a pushy for this offace the warden
[Assembly, No. 198.] 2
18 [Assexauy
tly beater with his
me resistance to going. whereupon Me Wells beat her wi
ro ee ered ihe rinen that they woud have laid violent
ands upon him they osld have got to Rim 5 they made © grest
wear ne re ato stim the meat 0 Dad tat
they cnnot eat at al
November 20, (No. 51%, Reg. No. 2 p. 34.) Sentenced for
two years: says that Wells the warden is bad enough; will not hear
the complaints of the prisoners; lets the deputies do as they pleases
eventeen have died of cholera morbus and dysentery; no funeral
sezvice has been performed since Wells came into office,
eee en ep mek a) RRS
aera at Bate at
acorn th
ae ny ey barn emi
reef yc
el ih ee ee
ick ie A gen
1819, January 18. (No. 521, Reg. No. 2 p- 42.) Sentenced
ae ety Wale ibe lve waren ea of ae
fr ten a yen rey wes nee eas 08
pam Ee th a oon of the pra
1 an eres uae ook, end arose De
Wa Tesch dl not He
fanuary 18. (No. 523, Reg. No. 2, p44) Sentenced for two
po ee peek maton Mim Deaey vr
ee ne pet on Senay ahcosne ed eg.
Ca he a an eek ay evens she 4
tes the le ge el oy and eo Uy 2
se a et beat clr woman ey sel
‘and cut the hair off of another colored woman; be also struck #
‘white woman over the head several times and cut her hair off.
ae tet ng 8 0) Some
tt BN) Se es
sap hg a
Frente ae A a
Ret oe enc Rb
144
No. 198.) 19
March 8, (No. 529, Reg. No. 2, p.60.) Sentenced three years:
says that he was used well, but has seen others used with ervelty
Robert Lent is very rough and harsh; he has seen him beat a man
with his cane.
March 8. (No. 530, Reg. No. 2, p. 51.) Sentence three years:
says that Wells is very severe; he saw him strike John Curtis a
colored man,
March 23d. (No. 33, Reg. No. 2,p. 55.) Sentenced for seven
years and cue month for forgery, 2d degree. Says that Wells, the
Tate warden, is a man of ungovernable passions ; he has frequently.
seen him strike the prisoners with his cane. On one oceasion last
summer he saw Wells knock a man down by the name of Cusha, a
Frenchman, and stamp on his breast ; the man was so much hurt
that he was taken to the Hospital, where he has been ever since,
Benjamin Deul, late a deputy keeper, who was dismissed sometime
ago, ean give some interesting information ; he lives with his father
at Sparta, about half a mile below Sing Sing. Bain saw Wells
and some of the deputy keepers beat Henry Fields, a prisoner.
Wells often made use of profane language when speaking to the
prisoners.
April 6th. (No. 636, Reg. No. 2, p. 58.) Sentenced for five
years for assault and battery with intent to commit a rape, dis-
charged by pardon 2d inst. He says that when Wells was warden
he treated the prisoners with great cruelty ; he bas often heard
them ery murder when Wells bas been beating them. Henry Fields
and Barney Smith were beaten most cruelly ; the Tatter is from
Washington county, and is simple or deranged. A man by the
name of Cusha or Gosha, who was convicted for assault and battery,
and sentenced for life, was beaten so severely about a year ago that
he was taken to the Hospital and remained there till about two
‘weeks ago; thinks that Cusha will never fully recover from the
abuse he received on that occasion. About three weeks ago a col-
cred man, for asking for a piece of bread was put ia the bath, and
after he came out he was knocked down several times and stamped
upon and his head cut 20 that he bled profusely; be was so injured,
that he was taken to the Hospital. This abuse was perpetrated by
Ben Leggett and Bob Lent. Very many of the prisoners were
forely abused. There were ninety-nine punishments during the
month of March, 1848. He has. seen Wells beat a man with his
fist when the man was laying on bis bed sick. He thinks the pre-
fent warden much better than Wells.
20 [Assexaur
<Aprit 20th. (No. 637, Reg. No. 2, p- 60.) Sentenced! for three
years and five months for selling a cominon weod savv he had bor-
rowed; discharged 25th inst. He says that Wells is very passion-
ate ; he saw a colored man showered for asking for a picce of bread,
and as soon as he came out of the bath Bob Lent knocked him
down and jumped upon his breast; he was so severely injured that
he was unable to rise ; he was carried to the Hospital. Wells stood
by and sav this cruelty perpetrated ; saw Wells and Lent drive a
‘man from the file shop to the bath beating him with their canes all
the way, fist one and then the other ; has frequently seen Wells and
Lent strike prisoners. Lent has not got human feelings j he is not
ft tobe a keeper ; he saw Wells strike a prisoner with his fst when
he was sick on his bed. No. 638 was sick with the dysentery in the
Hospital at the time ; this occurred in the summer of 1843,
May 8, (No. 639, R. No. 2, p. 62.) Sentenced for two years
and three months for grand larceny; discharged 2d inst.; he says
that Wells the late warden, is very passionate 5 he has frequently
seen himnstrike the prisoners ; Robert Lent often beats the prisoners
saw him beat a man by the name of Bamey, supposed to be silly o
deranged, very severely.
June 11, (So, 513, R. No, 2, p. 66.) Sentenced for three years
for grand larceny; discharged this morning ; she suys that the d
cipline of the prison is very severe, the women are worked too hardy
Mrs. Clark, wife of one of the guards, and! an assistant keeper, has
a litle daughter who is said to look very like Robert Lent ; one day
Catharine Logan, in a joke, said to a fellow prisoner, that he must
be the father of the child, it looked s0 ronch like him ; Mrs. Clark
overheard the conversation and informed Lent of it ; he was greatly
enraged, and he put a gag in her mouth and straight jacket upon
hher | he then placed her in a cell and Kept ber there till next morne
ing, without anything to eat ; six women have had their hair shaved
‘off since Mrs. Dewey has been the matron ; Bridget says Mrs.
Clark is very eruel; saw both her and Lent beat Catharine Logan.
June 19. (No. 547, R. No. 2, p. 70.) Sentenced for five yenrs,
for passing counterfeit money, 2d offence ; discharged 14th inst. he
says that the discipline of the prison under the present warden is
pretty good with the exception of Bob Lent, whose condact is often
very rude, but it is not quite so bad as it was when Wells was war-
den ; he was very rough ; has often seen him knock the prisoners
down.
44
No, 198, ar
Je 25, (No 880, No.2». 70). Senta Sve yu
for grand larceny; discharged 7th inet he sage hat while AHF
Wl nn he wt ey ama see Day Sal
wo was comida by De Hotiann md De Grey, tse
entero mat eo ae Ne at te iu
vent told him to go along and gave him a kick ; Barney picked up
aaa stone ate hin bt edt sie Soe a hak
outpaced and svorey spt Lanta se
Ten pt ad een at ny an ih he Sate
less he bi dn pd pe i en aed hed e
the ed rn of hcl and ee; Let el ee Br
Ueeast with his knees and beat hit with bis Gist tl he. was brlsed
ordered him to be showered ; he was kept in the bath and showered
Wie team stupid she he we ies eat of eh Woy
enc toa on ig cas id ot she, be hl
iwi hi ae ser than wl he wre ay
te ten ok the lanl Yat Wn i he ved les
Bury taken othe Knee wan were Seed
he Eas never been well since ; he is reduced to a mere skeleton ;
Lent has not human feclings. :
September 27. (No. 564, R. No. 2, p. 89.) Sentenced for three
se ff are 25 at ge at Welw
tod sliellog ini language sod names ns nnn ©
October 1, (No. 565, R. No. 2 p.91.) Sentenced for two years
and six months, for forgery 3d degrees discharged 19th August
says that A. H. Wells, the former warden, was very passionate, and
often beat the prisoners cruelly. ,
October 20. (No. 663, R. No. 2, p. 94.) Colored; sentenced
for five years, for grand larceny; discharged 15th inst.; says that E.
1 Foster is a goo keeper, but Wells was very severe; has seen
Robert Lent beat an insane man in the face with his fists
September 21, (No. 863, R. No. 2, p. 88.) Sentenced for four
years for geand larceny; discharged the 18th inst; he says that A.
2 [Aseemany
1H, Wells was very passionate, and sometimes treated the prisoners
very barsbly.
December 12. (No. 875, R. No. 2, p. 99.) Colored sentenced
for five years for burglary; he says, about three weeks before his
time was out he weut into the kitchen and asked Mr. Babcock for a
‘piece of bread; he shoved the basket containing the bread towards
te; I took a piece, and leaned over and took a piece of meat out
of another baskets he told me to put it down, and I did so, when
he gave me a push; I told him that he was the first man that had
given me a push since I had been in prison; this made him angry;
and he struck me with his cane several times.
We would not have presented these ex parte statements, if we had
been permitted to examine the prisons as is our duty. It would
have been much more agrecable to us to have tested their truth, and
resented only such facts as were confirmed by adverse and indepen-
dent testimony. But the contumacy of the inspectors has prevented
us from thus investigating them, and although these charges rest om
the simple authority of discharged convicts, yet the train of circum-
stances is s0 strong and so completely corroborated by the concurrent
testimony of so many, discharged at different times and at long in-
tervals from each other, that we feel it a duty to present them to
the Legislature, that they may undertake, if they deem it expedient,
that examination which we have been unsuccessfully striving for two
‘years to obtain. Most of these statements were made to us last
Year, and we should have presented them in our fourth report, had
Wwe not feared on the one hand to excite an unjust feeling in the
comunity, and hoped on the other to have been enabled by this
time to have spoken after full investigation. This prospect, ow-
fever, seems to recede as we approach it, and lest further cruelties
ud injustice should be inflicted, we have felt it a reluctant duty to
present the reports which we have received, for the information and
government of those most concerned. Should these statements be
thought of sufficient consequence to authorise an examination, they
‘will aford useful hints on which to base enquiries.
The Association were unprepared and surprised to meet such early
‘and determined opposition from the inspectors. We had hoped and
expected that none but the most agreeable relations would have ex-
isted between us. Engaged in similar pursuits, we should have lent
Jreely from our limited experience, and in return expected to boro
Jargely from theirs. The pride of official station, jealousy of power,
way
No, 198.] 23
or the fear of reproach bas induced them t> taro a deaf ea tall
ear clans and request, especialy in relation tothe
Sing. Ibis due tthe late warden at Cinton, to acknowledge Re
readin to pri the fc vist of er nian, and te
Jr them all necessary felts for a prompt and eaaetry coe
cution of their duties. = . i
on at Sing
FINANCES.
The finance committee reports, as receipts during the past year,
the sum of $1,922.04. Balance on hand the preceding year, $170.
14, Making a total of $2,092.18, Bethe dre Oe
Of which were expended—
For discharged convicts, rent of office, &c.,
For printing report and statinnery, -----+
For financial agent,
For rent of The Homey
+ $1,180 22
Balance on hand,
$2,092 18
In presenting: our objects to the benevolent, we have to encounter
many embarrassments, The reclamation of the abandoned ‘bas hi
erio been considered s0 hopeless an undertaking,
convince a large class that itis even possibles whilst to others
distorted ineatents of vice are ay revolting that ‘even oeitare
aberration from the paths of vietue throws the poor culprit without
the pale of merey, and forever bats the door of hope. Such eanvot
oment to imbue their hands with the slime and filth of society, for
{0 uncertain a purpese. To all such we would say, that our objects
are not solely to reclaim the guilty, but to proteet the innocent ead
see that justice is rendered to those on whoun suspicion rests. "These
objects are appropriately referred to.
that itis difficult to
Tue Coustrrres on Deventiovs, which is charged with the exami
nation of all eases of commitment to our city pritons, incidentally
involving not onty the manner of arrest, but the proceedinge before
the police magistrate. In the exercise of this department of our
duty, we are frequently called upon to administer a rebuke to off.
cials which, while acting for the protection of the accused, unfortu-
BN [Asses
4 mately reacts to embarras the opeations of the Asociton. Our
rae ineuch that we mast be consti a war with sate 520
ant tbe wontiued withost some damage to ete: side
enero all benevelent enteric. tho tht hich ar
rau A arthoveteacomer the tow sorleating, persevering
et Sn Witints fs sea Weds often comets contact
Sry powers and ay alten peeps ext resance fo the
eae ri onus by or charter To such a eae i hi
a reed by freed paves, hat iis ony through the
sere eel ced guntdeddachovge of our dates that we are sured
an tcmined an onveleting brs ben the opposition ne
aa eaten No lnger ago than the past winter fae
Peat wes ledged wi he commtce en pons of the Howse of
aor ah purpote of forcing a vepn! of cur charter. "We
Peet Cesgone om caution bat fale expsing os fa 8
ae orca abuss ao tmenm_ apparel (0s. The wer inate
veatintal the commie of the Howe to these developzenty 10
dernae alae they were disinly brovght, hs alway seemed 2
Teesitly nespliele "They were no even reported tothe At
seat.
‘The following cases, extracted from the diary of our Agent, wi
in part, explain our operations, and the nature of our duties in this
department
‘New-York, August 23d, 1849.—Found in the city prison Mar-
garet Burke,” committed by Justice Lathrop, on complaint of her
Jasband, Thomas Burke, and Thomas Fitzgerald, his landlord, as a
agrant, viz ; an idle person, having no visible means to maintain
jenelf,, lives without employment, and whereof she was convicted
fon the oath of the two aforesaid persons. She is a healthy woman,
good looking, neat, &c., and on reference to her family, was found
fb be a person of good character and perfectly steady habits, but was
‘of bad temper. Had her discharged by habeas, her father-in-law,
Brother-iaclaw, and other friends testifying to her good character.
August 24th—Fanny Lyons was. yesterday committed to
Tombs, under the following circumstances : Officer Josephs called
at the house where she boards and told her to fix herself and go
with bie, as the Judge wanted to see her; said she could be back
in half an hour. Knowing Josephs to be a police officer she went:
On her arrival at the Tombs she was taken into the back office
)e4
orseay Tag
where sae saw 19 one but aman sitting at a table tearing up some
papers. Josephs left her and went into the court room ; on his re-
turn he took her round to the female prison, and gave her in charge
of the officers, and she was locked up, he telling her that he would
zetura io half’ an hout and have her discharged. She waited until
near two o'elock, momentarily expecting her discharge. At this
time the prison wagon came, and she was called upon to get ready
to go to the Island. Having a consciousness of innocence she was
surprised. by. this unexpected call, and supposing it must be a mis-
take, insisted that she was not committed for any crime and could
not be ‘Sent up. The matron, however, soon undeceived her by
shewing her a coimmitment issued by a police justice, in which
was stated that she had confessed herself a vagrant, and that she had
the venereal disease, and that on enenination, baving been found to
be an improper person to be sent to the Alins House, she was sen=
fenced to the Penitentiary for sixty days. Astonished by such a
disclosure, she protested that she had made no such confession, that
she never spoke or was spoken to by any one bt Josephs ; that she
id not see the Judge, nor any one connected with the court, and
that she was in no way diseased, So earnest was the girl in her
asseverations that the matron determined to keep her down until the
cease could be investigated, On the next day I inguired into the
facts, and as L could not abiain any positive declaration from the
Judge or the clerk that the gicl was brought before them, I had no
doubt but her own story was true, especially as I was told that the
commitment would be withdrawn if T desired it, ‘The girl says that
she hes no doubt that the officer was hired to have her committed
by a keeper of a bawdy house in Church street, whose son was inti-
mate with her. She had been threatened by the mother of the son
with punishment, and was actually attacked by her in the streets, but
she defended herself and drove her off. The giel’s story is in part
confirmed by the fact that officer Josephs told the clerk that she had
Ted the son of lady astray. This case proves, at least, that some
are sent up to the'Istand without having the forms of law complied
with, and great injustice is in many instances the consequence, The
commitment was withdrawn.
These cases present four important defects either in the law or its
administration. ‘The first is the manifest abuse of power by the
police magistrates in neglecting promptly to dispose of persons com-
ritted for examination, The Jaw of the land, the rights of the
accused, and the demands of humanity, scem alike to require for all
such, not only the utmost caution as to commitment, but a speedy
Aeliverance. Yet here are instances of a reckless and wanton abuse
26 [Asean
© of power as well as the utmost disregard of individual rights, and
Senco of the soci compact, wbich ca wel te funginel. Tf
our government was mooareial intend of republicns if the sue
prem power was vested in the hands of one instead of the many, it
Soa K's jt eve for revatio, We maybe acs of og
strong langage; but itis nt stronger than is necessary fo awaken
Benton to tbe erly tot stooger, we are sure, than ls adeqoate to
Portrny the enormity of the offence, In our fourth report we dreted
Mention fo this abject, but hed not then a8 now, the ecemay
date to point out the extent of the abuse, Fvom the satincs of
our ly pn we ler hat ‘thre ave ten eaten
c pat Jear on lemporary comitimenta for examination, the astone
Iiag nocber af Ere thoseed siz handed tod hgteer hot ac
period of couraisents vary in duraon frm one dey t.cret 10
Tooth, and thatthe total periods of commitments forall is twentye
for thousand six hundred and forty-two days or sity-seven and &
half year
is c and
The number of discharges is four thousand seven hundred
ninety-one; and the oumber of final commitments is eight hundred
and sixty-one.
‘What an amount of precious time is thus wasted in jail, not on
account of any crime, but simply from indotence, caprice or incom
Peteat mauagenent, Let us caly pow each tame detention to
bbe worth on an average one dollar a day, and we have the round
sum of twenty-four thousand six hundred and forty-two dollars, lost
to society or to the families of the suspected. But the loss of time
is not the worst loss; all persons so incarcerated are by the magise
trates refused bail, and an offence which is bailable under a full
commitment, is not $0 considered in the practice of our police court
on a temporary warrant. Bad as this is, it would be even tolerable
if the magistrate would in every instance require an oath, stating,
if not that a crime had been actually committed, at Jeast that there
sr reson to ble that sch bal Been the ene, and that the
accused was the transgressor. Such, however, is the laxity wi
hich bones is doo aout pellce court, sul uch the wellow-
ness of the magistrates, that numbers almost daily are committed
‘without either oath or affirmation. ‘The law upon this subject see
to be very explicit and leaves no room for doubt or subterfuges it
in these words:
“$2. Whenever complaint shall be made before any such magis-
trate that a criminal offence has been committed, it shall be the
14a
No, 198.) a
uty of such magistrate to examine on oath the cowplainent and any
witness who may be produced by him. J
Ҥ3. If it shall appear from such examination that any criminal
offence has been committed, the magistrate shall issue a proper warrant
under hishand, with or without seal, reciting the accusation and come
manding the officer to whom it shall be directed, forthwith to take
the person accused of having committed such offence and to bring
‘hima before such magistrate to be dealt with according to law.”
Ҥ14. The magistrate before whom any such person shall be
brought, shall proceed as soon as may be to examine the complaia
ant and the witnesses produced in support of the prosecution on oath
in the presence of the prisoner in regard to any other matters. con.
nected with such charge which such magistrate shall deem pertinent.”
And section 21 provides for the discharge of the prisoner should
no cause of detention appear
These are the provisions of the law, which seems to be sufficent=
ly explicit and to afford the necessary. protection; nevertheless, inz
Siances are every day occurring of is utter neglect. and gross
tion, What safety is there for a eommuuity where justice is thus
trampled upon by her ministers? What protection has any citizen
that his dearest rights his free-bora inheritance, the inviolability of
his petson, will be for a moment secure? At any time the sanctity
of the domestic hearth is liable thus to be disturbed, and a man tora
from his family and his home by an officer of the lav.
portunity for the strong to tyranize over the weak, is an anomaly fa
8 free government, and should never be allowed. "So far, however,
is this from the fact, that neither common lav or the practice of ou
courts, have ever strictly defined the limits of thie power claimed by
the committing magistrate; and although a Justice of the Supreme
Court has decided that in ordinary cases a person should not be de
{ained beyond three days, and the practice of England bas. limited
its duration, even in extreme eases, to fourteen days; yet we have
seen that at one time there were fifty cases of fom one t0 over two
‘months duration, in our city prison alone. Two of these eases were
rmost extraordinary; they vere the commitment of two Swedes with
‘out oath or affirmation, on a mere suspicion of grand larceny on the
23d of August, and the holding of them in bondage until the 7th of
December, period of three and a half months; and not allowing
sither to get bail or to be in progress for deliverance. At the end
Of that time, when, if they were guilty, thry ought to have been al=
Such an op-
28 (Assen
ready ip Sing Sing for a month or more working out the penalty of
‘their transgression, they had scarcely entered on the initiatory steps
wah, whether guilty or ionocent, they had already
deen suffering imprisonwent. It mast be remembered that these men
were strangers, speaking a strange tongue, without friends and with-
‘out money. Such are the men «nost likely to become the victims of
the exercise of this power, persons who, when trodden on have no
power of turning to defend themselves.
Basis the loss of tne eo the wrong done tothe person, there
the moral wrong ick ao matbeaicon may ease ting be
ring daring petbaps rast eycles of yeas Teis hdl fo be conceive
fiat fick t auaber of ineacent persons ean be ineareerated with the
Mast abenfonel, for pris varying. from one dato thee or fut
mont wit Bing sone ete coeptede The very tes
Tore of pruon s moral poison, a no person can five init under
Bonmitment witout igor or less of eontrination Thus i is that
fre ao often see men who sere commited for dsordeny. conduc,
Tinlemenor or for evamiotion, ater having” staid im pron a few
faysani been dischergetyshowly after seorned for & larceny oF
woreda.
‘This power of temporary commitment is stil) further abused by the
commitment of drunks for examination, The appearance of the
individoal ought, we should suppose, to afford conclusive evidence of
his inebriation ; and if s0, what right have the magistrates ia suck
cases to commit bin temporarily ? The law is imperative ia in
ficting cither a fine of three dollars or imprisonment for five days,
that every temporary cominitment in cases of this nature seems to be
‘only a violation of the statute, and in many instances prolovgs the
imprisonment beyond the petiod prescribed by lass, It is certainly
a dangerous exereise of power, and in the hands of corrupt men may
¢ be used for corrupt purposes. "Another power often exercised by the
{magistrate is undoubtedly in direct violation of his duties and equally
5 gpen to the charge of corruption. We allue to the practice of dis
& Changing drunkards after ever, a full committal. It is done most
® frequently, without doubt, fiom motives of charity end friendship 5
“ecbut ils use is s0 liable to abuse, that it should be stictly prohibited.
‘Temporary commitments without affidavit are undoubtedly illegal,
‘and although sometimes they may apparently be necessary to secure
the ends of justice, the magistrate so committing is nevertheless in
all cases liabie for false imprisonment where the restraint is continued
for more than one day. Owing, however, to the ignorance on this
649
f
No, 198.] 29
point, of those most liable to suffer in this way, the safe-guards thus
thrown around them is inoperative, and prosecution for this cause un-
heard of and unknown, [A remedy might be found in having the
aw on this point conspicuously printed and constantly displayed in
each cell. The magistrates would then be prompt enough.)
Another defeet, less common although less flagrant, is apparent
in the commitment of vagrants. The second case which we have
already cited is one of a very peculiar character and of great enor
‘ity. An unoffending girl, at the instigation of a brothel keeper,
is taken by a police officer from her own domicile and brought by
him to the police court, aud is there ushered into an adjoining rooms
the officer then goes tnsolicited and without the knowledge and
consent of the party interested, and asks that she should be corm
ted for three months as a vagrant, and states that she had contracted
4 contagious disease, and the magistrate, without having, as in duty
bound, the girl before him and hearing the confession from her own
Tips, cousigas her to a prison by a commitment which states that she
personally appeared fore his and confessed to vagrancy and that
‘pon examination ke had discovered that she was an improper per-
son to be sent to the alis-house, Cau there be a pli
palpable case of gross violation of propriety and justice on the part
‘of the police officer, or a more direct and evident judicial perjury on
the part of the magistrate? ‘The next two cases are the cou
tsents of wives by their husbands. In each of these cases it was
proced that the husband ad undoubtedly cosnmitted perjucy for the
purpose of ridding himself of an honest, virtuous, unollending. wife
50 as to enable him to pursue Ins debaucheries urmolested. In each
‘ease the most reliable testimony was procured to the character of the
wife, and we infer the motives not only from the action of the men,
but from reiterated assurances of the Women that such indeed they
were. As it not unfrequently happens in cases of wanton outrage,
it was almost impossible to have these women released 5 wl
cases of undoubted guilt, the parties are almost uniformly 80 loosely
committed that any judge would instantly discharge them on habeas.
Jn fact this manner of discharge has become so coromon that there
ave lawyers who live by it, and live well too. The frequency and
the manner of its performance may lead to the suspicion that the
lawyer and the magistrate are alike interested in the business; and
that the magistrate commits thus loosely for the very purpose of
enabling the lawyer to obtain his fee through a delivery by habeas.
Without imputing improper motives to the magistrates, we may be
Permitted to state thatthe practical result of the present ragrant law is
30 [Assen
to provide a hospital for diseased prestitutes, a home for drunkards, an
asylom for troublesome wives, and a comfortable support for those
professional gentlemen who are content to wring their subsistence
from the misfortune and distress of the prisoner. We concede that
this matter of vagrancy is surrounded with many difficulties ; but
that these can be mastered, we entertain no doubt. To accomplish
80 desirable an object, early legislative action is needed, The law
defining vagrancy should be carefully revised end remodeled so as
svecinctly and distinctly to declare what shall constitute a vagrant.
This, if divided into several counts, might be made to embrace every
possible grade of vagrancy; and thus prevent a discharge on account
of surplusage or deficiency in the coromitment, or the blending of
vagrancy and disorderly conduct, which also vitiates the commit-
ment. Having effected this important object some cheap and certain
means should be provided Ly which those who have been unjustly
‘committed in the hurry and confusion of the police office may be
liberated. For such a purpose the ten governors in the city of New-
York, and the commissioners of the alms-house in other cities or
towns, should be clothed with power to examine, on the oath of any
respectable witness, forthwith, into the cause of detention of any
‘one so committed ; and, if upon strict examination, it should appear
to them that the party bad been unjustly or erroneously committed,
‘they shall present the ease to the recorder or first judge of the
county oF to any two justices of the peace, who shall have power,
in their discretion, to discharge such person from confinement.
‘Thus guarded, the power might be safely entrusted to the functiona-
ries prescribed ; and as summary commitments are at best a violation
of the great constitutional principle that guarantees to every one @
trial by jury, it seems to be eminently just and proper. ‘These or
similar provisions, would, we think, relieve this subject of most of
the embarrassments which encumber it in a judicial point of view.
Our statute Tavs include under the general term vagrants,” com-
mon prostitutes. Again, the law recognizes “vagrancy” as acrime,
and deals with it accordingly. ing this authoritative defini-
tion, we have deemed it a duty to notice the general subject of licen-
so far as it may be affected by the character of our
ceriminal institutions, and the laws which bear upon its victims.
Our own treasury is daily called upon by these degraded beings; nor
would it consist either with our own feelings or our estimate of the
obligations resting upon the Association, to tura them away as be-
yond the pale of hope. Indeed we have had too many evidences
no, 198 847 a
that, like all other sianers, they may be reclaimed, thus to close the
heart or the hand to them.
In pursuance then, of these general views, the committee esteem it
the line of their duty, if not themselves to appear before the
public with schemes for dealing with this class in their ordinary life,
at least to urge upon the proper authorities an examination of the
system of dealing with them when in the power of the law ; its in
fluence upon the existence and extent of the evil s a comparison of
our systems with those of other states and countries ; and the modi
fication Of our present plans to meet the conclusions of such an inves
tigation. It may be, and we feer it will be, that these suggestions
will pass unheeded, as have many others which we have more care-
fully elaborated, and more energetically pressed upon their attention.
In that case, it will remain for us to do their work ; and if it be s0,
we shall endeavor to show that we are not unfaithful in the attempt,
though we may prove inadequate to its right performance. Certain
it is, if we would save the character of our sons, the good name of
our daughters, the purity and peace of our domestic hearth, and the
ir fame of our city, we, or others, must have the moral ‘courage,
the zeal and the intelligence, to scrutinize and expose this whole
subject, and to lead the way to radical reform. It is not necessary,
nay, it were a burning shame that as a city, we should Ionger pro-
tect and legalize it. We may as effectually show our abhorrence,
and put the seal of reprobation on it. This we are bound to do, if
wwe are true {0 ourselves or true ta the age.
THE CITY PRISONS.
We have so often presented what we conceive to be radical de-
fects in these buildings, that we should not particularly refer to
them on this occasion, had not the departivent in which they are in-
cluded undergone a re-organization since our last report.
The change which bas been made in the general control and dl
ection of the prisons of the city and county is so recent, that a
clear judgment cannot well be formed as to the merits or demerits
of the system. Reforms were evidently and roost lamentably needed
under former administration, for which this committee long stroggled
in vain. So glaring and manifold at length became the abuses, that
the Legislature, against the urgent protests of the city authorities,
‘and on the recommendation of a portion of our citizens who acted
32 [Assracany
mainly under the advice of our executive committee, enacted the law
commonly known as the Ten Governor Bil.
‘The gentlemen appointed under this law, hase already placed
~ their frst report before the Legislature. The most manifest of the
reforms effected by them, and one to which the press of our city has
given great, and, as we conceive, undue prominence, is the saving of
about eighty thousand dollars, daring the eight months of the year 1849,
over the expenditures for the corresponding months of 1848. Not
that we do not reprobate a lavish expenditure of the public funds;
Dut that we do hold the eause of public morals of so much higher
magnitude, as not to be weighed or measured by dollars. Referring,
then, to the great principles heretofore presented, and as we think
‘established, in our former reports, we respectfully ask what reform
hhas been effected in the following important particulars :
1. In the appointment of under officers in our prisons. Casual
observers, or those but slightly acquainted with the intricate and
ramifed questions connected with prison discipline, would py
{give but little heed to this point. But those who know how i
4 tant it is, that there should be oneness, coherence, unifort
? consistency in the management of the affairs of a prison, do
‘that it should have but one head, and that he should be held to
“rigorous aceountability. Now, if he has not the appointinent of his
subordinates, he can have no security for the execution of his plans
and orders, however wise of necessary they may be. ils of
just such a state of things have too long been felt in these institue
tions. The uader keepers holding their appointinents from a sup
rior and independent source, have been, too frequenty, litle regard
ful of the warlen's orders or wishes; confusion and insubordination
amongst convicts were the natural results.
In the ten governor bill this evil was designed to be remedied.
Nor ean we say that the letter of the law has not been complied
with, But the spirit of it does not consist, with the exertion of
influence, even if that be but a simple recommendation, over the war=
en by the govetnors, in his selection of his subordinate:
we have reason to fear has been done, though we are willin
amit that it may have been done thoughtlessly. These gentlemen, a8
‘they grow more experienced in their duties, will doubtless hereafter
tell the wardens that they will be held accountable for the men they
‘employ, as well as the measures they pursue.
rag.
No. 198.} 33
2. The modification of the city prison we have heretofore pointed
cout, both in our general reports and in those of the committee on
Aetentions so fully, the imperative call for a ra
reformation here, if necessary even to the demoli
buildings and the erection of others which the universal experience
of the civilized world has adjudged as alone suitable for the wants of @
hhouse of detention, that we have little disposition to find fault with
the board of gorernors, so long as they are compelled to use the
conveniencies which the city now affords them. Still, in waiting
for the dava of a better day, something should be done to remove
the presént darkness. Even the present buildings could be made
much more available for the ends of humenity and of justice. ‘Thus
far we cannot see that any change of importance has been made
since their appointinent. But we shall look with confidence for
more attention to this department of their duties, during the present
year.
We wish that we could impress the fact upon the mind of every
thinking man in the community, that our eity. prison is now literally
and without exaggeration a moral pest house. We do not blame the
faithful and energetic warden, nor his active and attentive assistants,
for this. It is out of their power to help it.
‘The following statistics for this prison for the past year, include
not only the halls of justice proper, but the two district prisons lo-
cated the one near Jefferson market and the other near Essex mar-
Ket. On the Jefferson market or second district prison there were
1,929 commitments, and in Essex market or the third district prison
there were 1,982 commitments, Total for the two prisons 3,911.
CITY PRISON—FIRST DISTRICT.
White White Diack lack
Remaining tn prizon January 2840.0 HGP BE A Bt
‘Paving tha period Discharge
Romalaing i prison Dec 31,181,
{Assembly, No. 198.]
[Assman
‘The total number of prisoners committed for ex
amination was. ++ 2,300. 731
Of whom were subsequently committed,
1,644 626
Died, vee vesee
Discharged within five days,
ten days...
twenty days,
thirty days... sees
forty days...
Bfty days...
seventy days,
Remaining in prison December 31, 1819,....
Of the whole number, were temporarily commit-
‘ted and discharged on examination,.......++ 1,644 526
Committed for intoxication,....+.e+eeve+ c++ 9,038 1,977
Petit larceny, « seeeee 1,890 387
Vagrancy,.+« ee "782 1,278
Assault and battery, 1,157 156
Disorderly conduct wav 420
Grand lorceny, 4 246
Alms House, eCreee es 142
Tasanityy...esee4 yet
Burglary,
Attempt to kill, .
Obtaining property on false pretences,
Vilation of corporation orinner,
Forgery, - :
‘Attempt to comait larceny.
Assault.
Bastardy, .
Keeping « disorderly house.
3,031
861
2170
No, 10871849
Perjury, os...
Embezzlement,
Witness,
Conspiracy,
Rape,.. :
Illegal voting,.
Bigany,
Arson, Seu
Attempt to rob, ..
‘Suborning perjury,
Indecent exposure of person,
Offences against nature,
Attempt tocommit burglary,.
do
do
Attempt to break prison,...
Fraud, «246 i
Manslaughter, «0+
Carrying slung shot,. +e. ..++
Assault and rescuing prisoners, .
Malicious mischied
Mayhem, ....
Aiding escape of prisoners,
Selling obscene books and prints,.
Commissioners of emigration,.
Selling lottery policies, «++.
Abduction...
Soliciting emigrant passengers without license,
Cruchty to animalsy..sesesesteesseseee
Selling spirituous liquors without license,
Clipping coin, ..
Personsting an atte,
Seduction. -
United States prisoners .
Tota
[eee cceter act c2ccoctelb oclenSibcmeniecme
Bee eee een wee ROR ETE wad maenoe
Serene ween eaeranwannoutes
8
&
36 [Assess No. 198.]
The following table exhibits the nativity, social relations, habits of J Apprentice, .
life and education of the prisoners as obtained from cach at the time fF Architect,
of commitment Ants.
Daten, Females, Tota Auctioneer,..
Foreigners, «+ 6,939 3,31 10370 | Bakery.......+
: 2 en
7 ca Bebe,
Barber, ....
Bar lenderyssssevesev eves sees ss
Bell hanger,
Married, 4101 1034
Single,.- costes 5,058 2,663
Widowed, . 252 B4L
Have children, «+ i. 3,661 1,182
Unknown, «+++ 2B
wBSanborwy
‘Temperate, ... sssates 948: .
Intemperate, . . — 8,532 Boarding house keeper,..«
= Book binder, .eeeeeeeeeerse ee
Book seller.
Book keeper...
Brick maker, ..
Boot and Shoe maker,..
Boot black,
Boot tree maker... «
ex Bare
Classically educated, .
Unknown, ...+8+6
Brass founder,-
Number committed under 10 years of ages. Fluder) sshccec hese secs
between 10 and 15 do Butcher, vesesvev ove
20 do. Blacksmith, ..
30 do
40 do
50 do
60 do
10 do
80 do
Broker, see eeessseeeeeee
Brick layer,. ..+
Boiler maker,..«
Brush maker, «
Builder, ..
Button maker,
Boxmaker,...+.
Brazier, .
Broom maker,.«
Bottles, wees ess
Blacking maker,
Carpenter, -
Carver, ««
Cabinet maker,
Chair maker,.
‘Copper plate printer
‘Coachman,
‘Coach maker,
Chimney sweep,
Cotton presser.
Cotton spinner,
Cotton worker,
Cloth maker,
Carpet dealer,
Comb maker, +
Carriage makery..
Collector, +
Canalman, ..+-
Cabin boys. +++
Coach trimmer...
Conveyancer,-
Charcoal dealer.
Chiropodist, .
Cap maker,
1649
Clock maker,
Draper,
Drover, «+
Dyer, =
Distiller,
Dock builder,.
Druggist, «5.
Dauguerrean..
No. 198.
Dravghtsman,.
Dentists,
Engineer, -.
Engravety.sssesessee center
Expressman, .
Editor, ..
Equestrian.
Errand boys...
Formetj'ssisesersssseesr see
Fisherman,.
Folder,
Footman,
Florist.»
Fowi picker,
Flute maker,..
Gardner, «++
Gilder,
Glass cutter,
Gold beater,
Goldsmith,
Grate setter,
Grocery. e+e +
Gunsmith,
Gas maker,
Roe one ake nen wero ned ko Seren Sinn awwnanwe
Gas fiter,.
Ghazier,...
Guager,
Glove maker,
Haroese maker,
Bostler, -.
Horse dealery..-+ +
Hemp dresser,
Tron worker,. «++
Liquordeater,..
Lumber dealer,.
Letter carriery...+
Leather manufaeturer,. .
Latheryeese eves
Lath maker...
[Assent
\euq
No, 198.]
Marble cutter,,
Moroceo maker; .
do dresser,
do dealer,...
Moulder,..
Montebank,
Musician,
Miner, ..s..s044
Match seller...
Match maker,
Mathematician, ..
Millwright,
Manager, .
Measurer,
News vender...
Net maker...
Nail maker,......
Night scavengery.
Nurse, «+
Oysterman, «
Painter,.++«
Pavior, «
Peder, .
Physician,..
Plasterer, «
Plumbers. sseesseeees
Polisher, .
Porter, «+++
Porter house keeper,
Printer, ..
Print seller,
o
Hone mvo Su Suwwao8B
ZH j
‘No. 198.}
i
Skinner, «+
Soldier, ...+.+
Soap fat collector,
Soap maker,,
Soda water manufacturer,....
Speculator,.
Stone cutteryseeeesseee
Stone polisher, .
Stevedare)..-+esceeee
Steward, esse ese
Stage driver,.
Sugar baker, «
Sugar crusher,
Pe Sugar refiner,...+
Plane maker,..++ seventy“
Be ” : Sash moker,..++..
Plaster-paris maker, .. paleo
oe Swill boy,..++
aoa Surveyor, eseeeeee
Refectorer,
Policy dealer,..
Pen makery..+
Pencil maker.
Publisher,
Professor,
Paper makers. +++
Paper dealer,
Paper stainery..++
Pisno forte maker.
Police offices,
Pensioner,
Boown8w
eee ee ne nd
Deen Oem On ow
1
3
10
3
wor ob eeu
g
SeabboaSin
Rule maker,..
Ragpicker, -
Root beer maker,
Saddler, «+++ +++
‘Sailmaker, «++
08
‘Type founder,.
Segar makeery.-++-+ Tea dealerysecevee
Sculptor,..eseee ++ : Tin roofer, --
‘Scissors grinder,.+ : Teamster,.
Sitveramith -+++-- . Tannelle
Shipwright,.-.+ ee Tenpia boy
Ship chandler, «+++ : ‘Theatcical performer, .
Shippers «+++ Upholsterer, e+e. ++
Savller;..++ + : os Umbrella makery....
‘Watch-case maker,
Watch-glass maker,
Weaver;.-+
Wheelwright,
Whalebone worker,,
Wire workerysessceseceseseeeesees
Without trade oF occupation,
Trades or Occupations of Female Prisoners.
Cap maker,..++
Sempstressy sees seee ee
Without trade, fey...
Bawdy.e.+0+
Dooly .sasvieereaaetee
Prostitute,.-.+.. eas
‘Tailoress,....
Dressmaker, .
Fringe maker,..
‘Total number of commitments to the City Prison and its branche
from Jan, Ist to Dec. Bist, 1849:
rst District Prison, . : + 4,181
Second —— 1,929
‘Third 1,982
‘Total number of commitments for 1849,..,, 18,042
Sanne
1349
No. 198.) 5
XEPORT OF TIE SPoND DISTRICT PRISON FoR THE YEAR 1849.
‘The number of prisoners committed to this establishinent, (exclu
sive of those transferred to the Ist District Prison,) from Jan. Ist to
Dec. 31st, 1843, were—
White males,.
‘White females,
Black males,
Black females,
Total...
‘The commitments from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st, were for offences
as follows
Fully committed. Tamp'ty com'ted.
‘Females, Males. Femalen, Total,
For intoxication,..+..sseveee 38 772
Disorderly conduct, 23 369
Assault and battery, 10 14
Larceny, 67
Grand Tarceny,...e eee 36
Petit larceny, . 6s
i 48
Violation of corporation or-
dinances, .
Vagrancy, see secesecvee
Bastardy snd abandonment,
Tnsanity,......
Murder,...
Receiving stolen goods,
Contempt of court,
eeccccccconwos
on wocwmonconcdo
[Assent
Witness, +++
Shootingy..++ss+eeesee0
Obtaining property by false
pretences.
Escaping from prison,
Sedvetion, ..
Highway robbery,..
Tegal voting,
Kidnapping,
Misdemeanor, +--+
Felony, .-
Offences ‘not sperifed in
‘commitment, -..
eo
ooocosee
353217
‘The number of prisoners committed from Tae 3 Ist to December
Bist, 1849, (exclusive of those transferred to First District Prison,
1982.
‘The commitments fron January Ist to December 31st, 1849, were
for offences as follows, viz
on, Temp'ry Total.
Intoxicati 3 4 718
‘Assault and battery, 258
Disorderly conduct, . ; 3 407
Grand lareeny,. «+ 3 39
Petit larceny, : 140
Suspicion of larceny,... : 9 110
Obsining gros by foe mre. 10
Fraud.
‘Attempt to commit seen, :
Stabbing, ..... ae
Passing counterfeit money, «
Insanity, .. ee
‘Abandonment, .
Perjury,
Misdemeanors,
Vagrency, « 5
‘Attempt to commit robbery, »
Receiving stolen goods, «+
Embezzlement,
Seduction,
Witness,
Rape, .
Arson,
Conspiracy,
Desertion,. ..
Attempt to kill,
Riot, ..
520 1462 1982
Whole nuraber discharged as acquitted, not prosecuted, &e.,
10,299, it being seventy-six per cent or more than three-quarters of
the whole 5 seventy-two per cent, or nearly three-quarters of those
committed for examination were discharged on examination, and
only twenty-eight per cent fully committed. The number of diffe
rent offences committed by the inales was filty-eight; and the number
committed by females only threnty-five, in all of which the number
‘of the males exceed the females except vagrancy. Seventy-three
and four-tenths per cent are foreigners, and only twenty-six and six-
tenths per cent natives, Ninety-one and eight-tenths per cent are
intemperate, and only eight and two-tenths pet cent temperate.
ty-one and four tenths per cent
cent are even well educated. While the increase of
ceived has been about twelve per cent over the preceding year, the
increase of male commitments has been twenty-two per cent, and
the female prisoners have decreased two per cent. The great appa
rent increase of colored prisoners is owing principally
care in designating them.
An examination of the table of trades and ocoupations will show
that out of the four thousand seven hundred and one females received,
4s [Asser
only one hundred and forty-two had trades ; that one thousand five
hundred and thirty-eight were servants, one thousand eight hundred
and fifty-four prostitutes, and one thousand one hundred and four
‘rithout any regular occupations. If, as undoubtedly is the fact in
egard to most of thom, we add this number to the one thousand
tight hundred and fifty-four, we shall bave two thousand nine hun~
red and fifty-eight, or sixty-two and nine-tenths per cent of unchaste
The following comparative view of the statisties of 1848 and
1849, affords some interesting particulars:
twas, 1818, he yest. Deere.
“Whole No. of prisoners received within
the yeatysssvee+ 12984 14,173 1947
Whole No. of males, 77799 9510 4,711
‘Jo females vvsssesessee 4/785 4,663 122
do blacks; “'s32 ‘948
Committed for exaraination, 2610 3,031
Intoxication, 5915
Petit larceny..++++ at
Vagrancy, ++ 2,060
Assault, s+ 1313
Grand lareenyy.o. + 295
Burglary, s-osees eres m1
Murder, eee
Disorderly conduct, «.-
Probably no prison in the world so greatly needs entire reform in
its plan and. discipline, as our county penitentiary on Blackwell's
Island. Tt has too long been famous, not only as being one of the larg-
‘est, but one of the worst governed prisons in christendom.
‘The governors, doubtless, are not Blameworthy for the wrong sys-
tem which they found ia existence when they came into power. But
‘we regret that in their report there is no allusion to the generally
Grcellent remarks of the warden of the penitentiary, on this and
Kindred subjects. In truth, this whole subject of prison discipline is
fone with which they bave got to grapple. And we have an abiding
confidence that it will yet be found that their appointment will secure
No. 198.] “a
the ehngs inh lan an cpio cr cy pins wie
isle cate then oth ankdence ‘al epee of he comm
The ibaa the pendent :
: he penitentiary report the folowing rect an
Aischarger fom June 1, 1949, fo Decenber 31 189, caves
Males from court,
fro nn abencen tees
vagrancy,
Femiles for
Discharge
‘By expiration of sentence, males, ...
« «females,
By habeas corpus, females, ..
“« males, .
By death, males,....
females,
Remaining in Prison Dec. 31, 1849.
OF foreign birth, mates and females,
native born, ra
OF the whole number since June J, 1849:
Convicted of petit I 8;
‘ tit larceny, 425; assault and battery, 115; other
Bislemeanors, 12; vagraney, 1557; total, 2109.
No escapes are noted in the amount of discharges; the report in
that respect is undoubtedly defect
undoubtedly defective, as a large number are sai
lave been dlochrged darieg the goers ve
w
Fe rogret thatthe warden has oot gi ce
» ren us any acount ofthe
sepia ant dborement of he station. Ewan hoped nd
ted hat when the ten governors assumed he contol of this Int
[Assembly, No. 198.] 4
60 [Assman
ion, they would yearly present an intelligible account of the finan
cial operations. Such a course seems to be absolutely necessary,
to enable us 10 compare it with other similar institutions.
WORKHOUSE.
‘This new establishment, from the character of its organization,
and the wisdom, energy snd skill with which it is eonducted, pro-
Iises to be the most interesting, as well as orderly and successful
Jnstitation of our city. It has now only been in operation since the
Yoh of June, and already the receipts, with only about two
hundred and fifty convicts average about two thousand dollars a
week, of over one hundred thousand dollars a year, a greater
Bmovnt than is earned by the eight hundred in the Peni
fentiary. ‘The Institution, however, at present, labors under one
reat disadvantage, which it should be the duty of the proper au-
{hotties immediately to remedy. We refer to the necessity of a pro~
per boilding, separate and apart from the alms-house, which shall be
Competent to contain not enly all the paupers who may voluntarily
vail themselves of the benefit of the Institution, but all the ve
grants who are now committed to the Penitentiary. The building
Should be so arranged as to afford complete separation of these two
Classes, and allow the classification of each, It is due to the city, in
Sroviding for this department of our prison and alms-house, that we
Gould bave a building constructed after the most approved models, and
combining all the modern improvements. Such a building, in the
hands and under the control of the present warden, would not only
be creditable to our city as a model Institution, but would also ber
come a souree of considerable revenues nor is it improbable that it
night pay the expenses of its support, on the one hand, while it
Should act as a deterring agent on the other, and keep those drones
‘cway from our charities and our prisons, who have habitually live
pon the city for years, because they were too lazy to work.
January 31, 1860.
Deux Sim—In conformity with my promise T intended to have
given you ere this a brief statement of the beginning and the pro
ress we bave made in the work house department under the “te
Governors.” But the press of business and daties devolving wpot
fhe in adjusting accounts, inventories, &c., &c., I trust you wil
deem as a sufficient apology for the delay.
No. 198.) 5
On the 14th of June, 37 pens, in accordance with the Tew
passed April 11, 1849, committed themselves to the work eae be
Wi his wunter operations were commenced
tui mde he mast animorsble cheunsancey, bag compelled fo
eth boing wih sich soe ns wre ny fie sls
‘rch Jager oar hen ty the els howe,
Fs
three months each.
ct of able bodied men in the alms house, on
i informed that they must either commit the:selves to the work
house or leave the island, chose the later, rather tan subject them
res to labor conducted on the principle of order and regularit
saying that they “did not core to the poor house to labor, neither
vould they; that they had been heavily taxed to support these seve-
tions, and now in their tam were entitled to all their ade
rantages.”” A large majority of these, as well as those subsequently
committed, were old and infirm, or diseased in some way, and en-
tirely unfit for hard labor :
In the Inter port of August the govemorstegan fo committo the
work house fot thle ofc inte park, most of whom were a bet
ter clase of men, and vfletly competent todo x fair day's Tabor
We ave dependent upon the warden of the als bouge fr, boarding
tid oleae ou mens sok ed (or gvery somvenienoe ane
cary ou the operations of the work Lowe
[i is utterly impossible to make a very satisfactory test of the
practicability of a work house without adequate means to restrain
labits of idleness and intemperance, and conveniences for the class
feation of the inmates. But as the experiment had to be made with
the best means at my disposal, 1 enteced upon the duties of superin~
tendent with many forebodings of the result, I have no hesitation
towever in saying, from daily and careful observation, that with
tildings properly adapted for work house, with a view to the
hasffation of the various grades of characters, and with stringent
rues and regulations for its good government, that it will not only
ameliorate and improve the taoral condition of the inmates, but it
will be more satisfactory to the tax payers of the cit iew-
By y to the tax payers of the city of N
A work house will improve the penitentiary system in various
hyn it wil enable you to separate erime and poverty, or io other
fords the “court prisoners” from the vagrant, and relieve it of
ny and remove the embarressments
present crowded state. The penitentiary is large
52 [Asser
enough with this arrangement to accommodate the city of New-York
swith her increase of population, for the next ten years.
The aggregie number of commitments to the work bow fos
a 425,
the 14th June to the 3st day of December inclusive, is-
Daring the same period we have discharged,
Ran away,
Sent to Bellevue Hospital,»
Sent to Lunatic Asylum, «
‘Males on hand, «
Females on hand,
Aggregate,
An over 70 years, «
‘Their places of nativity are as follows, viz:
Germany,-
Holland,
184g
No 1081
Ohio, ~
Connecticut,
Maine,-
New Hampshire, -
Massachusetts,
New-York,
New Jersey,
Vermont, =
Virginia, -
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island,
Uaknowa,
Natives, «-
Aggregate, « 425,
From the 14th of June to the ,3ist of December inclusive, we
tave received about 19,000 days work, more than one-half of which
sill compare well with labor performed on any public work in the
country.
Very respectfully yours,
HARMON ELDRIDGE,
Supt. Work House,
esrs. Resp, Russet, and others,
Committee of Examination,
John D. Russ, M. D., Dear Sir—Subjoined is a statement givi
ou the amount of debits and credits of the Work House Department,
rom the 14th June to the 31st December, 1849, based upon a scale
f prices whieh I will more fully explain in another place.
i. To amount of inventory of tools, &e.,
when we began, :
amount of requisitions on the store=
keeper, as per his bill,- = 28,500 25
amount paid citizen earpenters, &e., 474 60
amount paid inmates for services
over their board and clothing,
paid salaries to officers, 4
board bill allowed alms-house at 2
dollars per week for each inmate
$836 93
275 70
1,406 41
of the Work House, ~ 6,898 77
937,952 56
54 [Asornouy
Cx. By amount of goods manufactured and
turned into the store,
Jubor done at alms-house and grax
ding, filling dock, fences, sea
rally Bs,
labor done, &e., Iunatie asylum,
labor of store-keeper,
Tabor in nurseries, 8c.y
sundries, Penitentiary
inventory on the B1st December, --
J. R's acct. wool, <
‘accounts against officers,
$25,493 25
5,826 83
922 70
718 65
55 97
21 67
12,387 08
47 02
27 87
aon 45,440 44
$7,437
iene
‘ese prices were fixed for ny own getieaton and convenient
wat Pre or ection, futher than to give the number of
Jays work, and at what kind of work. In the account T gave yoo
a'day o two ago, I gave the mumber of cubic yards of earth ani
fork that had been removed, and the prices, &e.
Ta great haste,
am truly yours,
1H. ELDRIDGE.
The report of the ten governors shows that the number of day
work performed in this institution during the
Yoon 27,179, the average number of prisoners 148 nearly,
Rauber of working days 164, making the earnings of each pris]
tr, $7398, for the whole period, or about 40 cents a day, an amous
only a fraction less than the average daily earnings in our Sot
prisons, evidently showing that if it should exer happen th o
No. 198.]
56
city institutions should be thoroughly and efficiently organized, pau-
perism and crime would in a measure cease to be such a drain upon
the public treasury as heretofore
PRISON DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE.
The labors of this committee have been almost entirely suspended
for the year, by the probibition to our examination of the prisons of
the State.
Long sensible, as we have been, of the stationary condition of our
prison plans and discipline, it has been our most anxious desire, from
the very organization of our association, so to collect and collate
facts as they are daily oceurring in our owa Institutions, with the
experience of other States and countries, as to educe therefrom the
great principles which rust Tie at the basis of all sound reform. It
is indeed true, that intelligent observers elsewhere are gradually ap-
proximating to identity of views on the questions of prison plans
and discipline. In our own State, however, there
time has been, a lamentable contentment with
Little has been done by the public authorities towards impartial and
extended investigation ; but few individuals amongst us have es
teemed the subject one worthy of their attention, and so ignorance
holds undisputed sway over us. And thus it will be until the prace
tical workings of our plans are brought to view, scrutinized and
examined by those who have no personal or political purposes to
subserve.
Tn connection with this subject, we would here direct attention to a
letter presented in the appendix, proposing certain improvements in
prisons and prison discipline, As however, the committee have had
xno opportunity of examining and discussing this matter, they are
tunable at present to express any opinion thereon, other than to offer
it as presenting new views on highly interesting and important sub-
jects,
and for a long.
igs as they are,
‘At another time, the committee hope to contribute something
to the general fund of knowledge in relation to plans of prisons and
‘modes of government and discipline,
The following table, marked A, presents a compar
re view of
the statistics of dilferent prisons.
[Assen
ma] meenongwernaen
| mneomoucena 28
weve]
|
|
aa
soy eaten
1B STATISTICS OF DIFFERENT PRISONS.—(OowrixvxD)
ipo posed abe
Period of Imprisonment,
losted at epee ote,
a
a
8
3
z
é
E
&
E
E
5
STATE PRISONS,
STATE Prisows,
58
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
Maine, v8:
MB among the “Average length of sentencosy" are included two t0 be
angel, Under the head ‘all other crimes are incest 2 pOlyEA~
Tay fy total 3. And for 181, Incest I, and anit with intent to roby
total?
+ pve report shows no record of age, crimes, period of tmprizonment,
Rhode bend
Tider the nead «all other erimes)" are destroying aznitt dam
Connection
2 crimes for those only who were received duting the year. No record
ere engin of teatences, births, he. Under head «all other
ehoree stealing 2 breaking jail 2, incet 1, high erimee },
Under head sail other eximes," abduction 1, ecime agsinat nature 3
meses andattempt i kidnapping I auction I, embexsioment 4, break
Ing ll or ailing 3 receiving stolen goods 1, (tal 38
Sing S95:
4 ust for burglary insteul of 177, stzeported tothe inspectors by the
eras ties however, assures w+ that TET va typographical error,
sharia of inloornest, Unies head Sal othor esimes” are incest 2,
mayhem ®, crime against natsce 2 stealing child 1, receiving stolen
oan 10 anaesounted for 6, total 2
read salt other exes saute with intent to 00 Te
"here seems tobe a dvsrepancy between the sum total of efimes and
Pane ere other fate reported for this prison, the (otal of
BRE Sint acts being 185—that of ertines is found tobe only 182. Un~
te other ae cer crimes,” ace anealt and Datery 2, breaking
teres evurning 8 eating timber ty keeping Sitonderly howe 7, ma-
Petes ihachiet ty enilemesnor My tot 3 sodomy 1, uttering alteret
Waters Panter, Pos
‘Rinong cal her orimes,® contpiracy 2,
‘gader head +a other crimes felony T, kidnapping 2, assisting saver
ner aa ty ccelving stolen gaots3, enticing slaves to ran away 2,
‘Ritcing sod harboring slave Iy assault on the high seas ly tota 90.
“p Uoder head ‘larceny, ate included slave stealing 4 carrying of
aanae essing saves to abicond 3, horse stealing 2, male sea
Wer neding 1, Under head all other eximes,” are
aoe ainar receiving Molen goods Ty emberalement I, total 8.
‘renneoe
‘Under head al other erimes,* malicious shooting 2,
polygamy 1y felony 2 persuating slaves to teave ty
Bf calor 2 giving slaver forged pastes I, felonious as
Slabbing 8, baravuraing 1 apectal act of Legislature 1, total 19
1845
No. 198.]
Couorgia: 5. There seems tobe a dinerepaney Between the sus total of crimes and
the sum tofal of efter faets reported for this prison—the wim total
wouter 6 lng to era y esta 3, Drench of tasty cheats
Tee tad Soiniting3 eveape Sy etbeaslsnet I gambling with negroes
sidtooring staves iy nega! voting 2 nvelpling slave 4 llega re-
saeco tdnapsing 2 mayen 7 ialemtsnoe 3 DOIrEADY Ht
Steal nen goods, vodony yvagrancy 2 otal 0
Toader hon! stent fob” are for anmele and Dattery wi intent
onmurder, seriay an svat aad tatory wih ntat to meret I
commit mruer 1
‘Umer head “rae aod attempt," asa an atery and larceny wih
intent tocommit rape fy Car heat val other eximey” receiving
“There srems to bea dacrepaney of 1 inthe total of ages. Unde
Nena other crimes" are aut wih intent to toby ilempt
Comal acon eran! knowledge of ax Insane woman I horse seal-
Sor 3, Incen ymating and Keeping souatrlliog tool, receiving
‘Noten goots sealing money from Port Oi stealing bank ils,
Stabuing witntntet to wound 1y sealing eters tad money from mall
wNeatfg anv embessiing trom mat fy malcsous shooting}, Ween
ad pubicing prominory notes I, total
Moaclutele Among “atttors> a incest Ian with intent oro I common
ndnttions thief 32, lowland favlviows cohabitation 9, Feel0§
Noten goois 3, attempt to break and ters bank with intent to seal
ateating 1, polygamy 2 acenary to larceny before the ae 1, 1090
way, tal 3.
a Vader head “average length of impitonment,” one sentence i une
ssc. (1) Remon a een male ee
Mista, 188: Age of one wnaccountl for-
fm. Under head slarcenyy one under two chargea, Under alt others
ceiving wen 001
a Snce ts repo, eth Deo» 18 23 pardoned by Gov. of tine; on8
‘atdoned by President of United Sate, two dlacharged by order of
Supreme Conn ten dio, three eteapel
igo, en Agen acrountd for.
Crimes for those received during the yout,” onis—' al other”
voit with intent (50 and ata! erla6 aga
Noten goods total 3
qcsontences an average Tength of impriaoament for those receivad
uring the yese Oni
Eastern State Penetory © Agey ime, Yength of imprisonment, biey recom.
‘Srey ace forte mumbec received ding the year oly. Uniee
Seta lc ne. ae aig ering ee
Sede" ciot to, kidnapping 2, malicious misehet Iy comepeeey 2.
Souther TR, Learelent of imprisonment i for Hon, log
outinel for laey no term 142
Kantalys “400 sy ace horse stealing 2 atsiating slaves Co ran
vay fs (aul, scp siesling By senlng tees otal
nature 1, receiving
60 [Assan
Nonnzx Recerven axp Discuancxo.
Maine, 1848 —Number of convicts in prison April 90, 1847, 70 5
received since, 22; discharged on expiration of sentence, 21; par-
doned, 2; removed to the Insane hospital, 2; remaining April 30,
1848, 67
New Hompshire, 1849.-—Number of convicts July Ist, 1848, 775
since received, 17; discharged by expiration of sentence, 9 pardon-
ed, 25 died, 1; remaining in confinement May 31, 1849, 82, of whom
80 are males and 2 are females.
Vermont.—Whole number in confinement September 1, 1848, 62;
since received, 34; discharged by ‘expiration of sentence, 13; par-
doned, 6; died, 4; escaped, 1; leaving in confinement September Ist,
1819, 62,
Rhode Islond.—Number of convicts in prison 30th September,
1848, 20; since received, 16, which with 2 returned escaped con-
vets, makes 38; discharged by expiration of service, 45 by General
Assembly, 4; died, 2, leaving 30th September, 1849, 28; 27 males
and 1 female,
Connecticut Number in confinement March 31, 1848, 150; since
received, 57; discharged by expiration of sentence, 34; pardoned,
7 died, 95 leaving in confinement March 31st, 1819, white males,
105, colored meles, 36; white females, 10, colored females, 63 to-
tal 157.
Auburn, —The number in prison December Ist, 1848, was 4525
since received, 298; discharged by expiration of sentence, 118; par
doned by the Governor, 12; by the president, 2; died, 75 sent to
Lunatic Asylum, 2; leaving in prison December Ast, 1849, 609.
‘Sing Sing —The number of male conviets in prison December Ist,
1848, was 611; since received, 214; number transferred from Clin-
ton prison to this, 30; retnmed from Lunatic Asylum, cured, 1} an
escape retaken, 1; discharged by expiration of sentence, 133; par-
doned, 11; taken out on writ of habeas corpus, 1; died by sickness,
19; accidentally killed, 2; escaped and not retaken, 3; drowned
in attempting to escape, 1; shoemakers transferred tof Auburn prison,
My removed to the House of Refuge, N. Y., (juvenile,) 1; total of
male convicts remaining in prison December 1, 1849, 672,
a9
No, 198. a
Number of female convicts in this prison December Ist, 1848, 835
received during the year ending November 31st, 1849, 29; discharg-
ed by expiration of sentence, 32; pardoned, 2; total of female con:
viets remaining in prison December 3st, 1849, 78.
Clinton.—The number in prison December Ist, 1848, was 163,
received during the year, 65; discharged by expiration of sentence,
33; pardoned, 4; died, 45 sent to Lunatic Asylum, 1; removed to
Auburn and Sing Sing prisons, 625 remaining in prison on Ist De-
fcember, 1849, 124,
New Jersey.—In prison December 31st, 1848, 176; since received,
108; discharged by expiration of sentence, 795 pardoned, 17; deaths,
3, (one of which was from the bands of a fellow prisoner who was
insane,) leaving in confinement on the 31st day of December, 1849,
185.
Western Penitentiary, Pa.—Remaining in prison from the past
year, 115; since received, 84; discharged by expiration of sentence,
54; pardoned, 15; died, 75 remaining January Ist, 1850, 123.
‘Maryland.—Remaiving in prison November 30th, 1848, 258; re-
ceived during the year ending November 30, 1849, 78; discharged
by expiration of sentence, 75; pardoned, 11; died, 21; leaving in
confinement 30th November, 1849, 229,
Virginia.—In prison October Ist, 1848, white 117, colored 83,
total 200; received from October Ist, 1848 to September 30th, 1849,
white 43, colored 13, total 56; discharged by expiration of sentence,
white 24, colored 8, total 82; pardoned, white 9, colored 2, total 11;
died, white 7, colored 7, total 14; remaining 30th September, 1849,
white 120, colored 79, total 198,
Tennessee. —In confinement Suptember 30, 1847, 195; since re-
ceived, 124; discharged by expiration of sentence, 41; by law of
4836, 54; by geueral pardon, 14; died, 18; remaining in prison
September 30, 1849, 192.
Georgia—In prison October 2d, 1848, 98; sinse received, 31;
discharged by pardon from Legislature of 1847, 1; executive pardon,
383; died, 3, leaving in prison Oct. Ist, 1849, 92.
a (Wes
Indiana.—In confinement 30th November, 1848, 140; since re
ceived, 45; discharged-by expiration of sentence, 31; pardoned, 8;
died, 12; escaped, 2; remanded back for anew trial by Supreme
Court, 1; now in confinement, 131
Ohio. —Number in confinement 30th November, 1848, was 4255
since received, 156; discharged by expiration of sentence, 68; par-
oned by Governor, 5S; pardoned by President U. States, 45 died
from cholera, 115; from other disease, 6; writ of error, 15 escape
during the cholera, 3; leaving in prison November 30th, 1849, 336.
“Massachusetts —The whole number remaining in prison October
Int, 1848, was 281; since received, 190; escaped retaken, 13 total
473; discharged during the year ending September 30th, 1849, by
expiration of sentence, 104; by remission of sentence, 16; by pardon,
1; died, 3; leaving in prison September 30th, 1849, 349,
“Maine, 1849.—Number in prison April 30th, 1848, 475 since re-
ceived, 19; total 86; discharged on expiration of sentence, 16; par~
doned, 3; remaining in prison April 30th, 1849, 67.
Mincis, 1848.—Number in prison 6th December, 1846, 1375
since received, 115; discharged by expiration of sentence, 835 par-
doned by Governor, 33; by the President of the U. $., 1; by order
of the Supreme Court, 25 died, 10; escaped, 3; leaving in prison the
Ast of January, 1849, 118,
Michigan. —Number in prison November 30th, 1848, 1285 receiv-
ed during the year ending November 30, 1849, 31; discharged by
pardon, 16; by expivation of sentence, 30; escaped, 25 died, 13 re-
raining in prison November 30th, 1849, 110.
Eastern Penitentiary.—Number in prison January 1st, 1850, 299;
received during the year, 128; discharged by expiration of sentence
81; by pardon, 24; by death, 6
‘Tecas.—Nuwaber in prison April 224, 1850, 6; received during 15
months, 6; discharged, none; pardoned, none; died, none; recom-
mitted, none.
Kentucky.—Number in prison December Ist, 1848, 1613 received
during the year ending December Ist, 1849, 625 discharged by ex-
No. 198.] 63
Piration of sentence, 42; by pardon, 23; died, 4; escaped, 3; re-
maining in prison December Ist, 1849, 141.
Nanwviry.
Maine, 1848.—Bom in Maine 37, Mascachusetts 6, England 2,
Halifax 1, Treland 9, Pennsylvania 1, New-York 3, New-Hampshire
2, Nova Scotia 1, Scotland 2, Virginia 1, Unknown 3, total 67,
Meine, 1849.—Maine 41, Massachusetts 4, New Hampshire 3,
England 2, Hoalifex 1, Ireland 8 Pennsylvania 1, New-York 3, Nova
Scotia 1, Scotland 2, Virginia 1, total 67
New Hampshire, 1849.—New-Hampshire 45, Canada 2, England
8 Germany 2, Ireland 9, Maine 4, Massachusetts 7, New-York 6,
Vermont 4, total 82
Massachusetts, 1849.—Canada 7, Massachusetts 124, Connecticut
9, Delaware 1, District of Columbia 1, England 23, France2, Geor-
iu 1, Germeny 4, Trelond 55, Louisiane 2, Maine 16, Maryland 1,
New-Jersey 4, New-Hampshire 19, New-York 32, North Carolina 3,
Nova Scotia 6, Ohio 2, Pennsylvania 3, Rhode Island 11, Scotland
6, Vermont 5, Virginia 2, Texas 1, Florida 1, Ojibewa’ Nation 1,
New-Brunswick 8, Prince Buward's Island 1, Cuba 1, Barbadoes 1,
New-Holland 3, total 349,
Rhode Island, 1849, —England 3, Ireland 4, Massachusetts 4,
New-York 4, Nove Scotia 1, Rhode Island 11, Scotland 1, total 28.
M. ¥., Auburn, 1849,—Conada 19, East Indies 1, England 37,
France 2, Germany 19, Hungary 1, Ireland 56, Russia 1, Scotland
6, Sweden 1, United States 469, West Indies 1, total 609,
WN. ¥., Sing Sing, 1819—Male and Female Privone—At sea 3,
Belgium 1, Canada 11, England 44, France 3, Germany 52, Ireland
144, Ttaly 1, Mexico 1, Scotland 12, South America 2, United States
447, Unknown 1, West Indies 5, total 727.
M. ¥., Clinton, 1849,— Canada 10, England 3, Germany 7, Tre-
land 17, New South Wales 1, Poland 1, Scotland 3, United States
83, total 124.
4 [Aseesmex
New-Jersey, 1849.—Canada 4, Connecticut 2, Delaware 1, Eng-
land 7, Germany 5, Ireland 20, Italy 2, Maine 1, Maryland 3, New-
Jersey 90, New-York 37, Pennsylvania 19, Scotland i, South-Caro-
Tina 1, Vermont 1, Virginia 1, total 185.
Pennsylvania, 1849—Western Penitentiary. —At sea 1, Canada 2,
Connecticut 2, England 3, France 1, Germany 13, Ireland 10, Ken
tucky 4, Louisiana 1, Maine 1, Maryland 8, Massachusetts 2, New-
York 13, Ohio 2, Pennsylvania 48, Poland 2, Prussia 1, Scotland
1, Vermont 1, Virginia 6, Wales 1, total 123.
Pennsylvania, Y849—Eastern Penitentiary.—Canada 2, Delaware
2, District of Columbia 2, England 3, Georgia 1, Germany 18, Tre-
land 22, Kentucky 1, Louisiana 1, Maine 1, Maryland 8, New Jersey
5, New-York 8, Pennsylvania 48, Poland 1, Prussia 1, Scotland 1,
Virginia 3, total 128. (‘The number received during the year only.)
Maryland, 1849.~~Delaware 2, District of Columbia 1, England 1,
Germany 24, Treland 8, Indiana 1, Kentucky 1, Louisiana 2, Mary-
Tand 155, Massachusetts 4, New-Jersey 1, New-York 4, Ohio 3,
Pennsylvania 10, Rhode Island 1, Scotland 2, South Carolina 1, Vie-
ginia 7, Mississippi 1, Wales 1, West Indies 1, total 229.
Virginia, 1849.—England 1, Germany 2, Ireland 1, Kentucky 2,
Maine 1, Maryland 4, New-Jersey 1, New-York 5, North Carolina 3,
Ohio 8, Pennsylvania 3, Scotland 2, South Carolina 2, ‘Tennessee 5,
Virginia 164, total 199.
Tennessee, 1849.—Alabama 4, Delaware 1, England 1, Georgia 4,
Indiana 1, Mlincis 2, Ireland 3, Kentucky 14, Louisiana 1, Maryland
1, New-York 5, North Carolina 31, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 3, Pru
1, South Carolina 9, Tennessee 84, Virginia 20, total 192,
Indiana, 1849,—Alabama 2, Arkonsas 1, Canada 2, Connecticut
2, District of Columbia 1, England 5, France 3, Germany 5, Indi
ana 17, Ilinois 3, Ireland 4, Kentucky 6, Louisiana 2, Maryland 2,
Massachusetts 1, ‘Missouri 1, New Jersey 1, New York M, North
Carolina 7, Ohio 19, Pennsylvania 12, South Carolina 1, Switzerland
4, Tennessee 7, Vermont 2, Virginia 10, total 131.
Ohio, 1849.—Arkansas 1, Canada 3, Connecticut 10, Delaware 3,
District of Columbia 1, England 9, France 3, Georgia 1, German
349
No. 198. 65
18, Indiana 2, Ireland 19, Kentucky 16, Louisiana 5, Maine 1, Ma-
rylund 8, Massachusetts 5, New Jersey 5, New Hampshire 4, New
York 49, North Carotina 5, Ohio 59, Pennsylvania 66, Rhode Island
1, Scotland 2, South Carolina 1, Tennessee 1, Vermont 9, Virgi
36, Wales 1, Mississippi 1, Isle of Man 1, total 336,
Illinois, 1849.—Alabama 1, Canada 4, Connecticut 2, England 3,
France 1, Georgia 1, Germany 7, Indiana 1, Illinois 6, Ireland 11,
Kentucky 10, Maine 1, Maryland 2, Missouri 3, New Jersey 1, New
York 19, North Carotina 4, Ohio 10, Pennsylvania 6, Prussia 1, Scot-
land 2, South Caroling 1, Tennessee 8, Vermont 6, Virginia 7, to-
tal 118.
Kentucky, 1849-—Kentucky 44, Virginia 18, Pennsylvania 13,
New-York 11, Irelasl 1C, Ohio 7, Indiana 5, Alabama 5, North Car.
dlina 5, Germany 4, Tennessee 4, Maryland 3, Scotland 2, South
Carolina 2, Delaware 1, Bagland 3, France 1, Louisiana 1, District
of Columbia 1, New Jersey J, Vermont 1, Massachusetts 1, total 141,
Couxties wine Coxvicrs.
‘Maine, 1848.—Lincoln 8, Washington 4, Franklin 1, Penobscot
9, Cumberland 29, York 5, Oxford 3, Kennebec 4, Waldo 2, Som-
erset 2, total 67
New Hampshire-—Willsborough 18, Grafton 17, Rockingham 11,
Strafford 15, Coos 1, Merrimack 8, Cheshire 6, Sullivan 3, Belknap
3, total 82,
Vermont.—Bennington 1, Windham 4, Rutland 7, Windsor 4,
Addison 1, Orange 3, Chittenden 6, Washington 1, Franklin, Grand
Isle 1, Lamoille 1, total 34.
year.)
Rhode Ieland.—Unaccounted for.
(The number received during the past
Connecticut. —Unaccounted for.
Maw-York—Aubun.—Albany 28, Allegany 5, Broome 3, Cattar-
sugus 1, Cayuga 23, Chautauque 9, Chemung 8, Chenango 6, Clin-
ton 1, Columbia 1, Cortiand 4, Dolaware 3, Dutehess 1, Erie 135,
Norn.—The other States have n0 nativity given
Lssembly, No. 198.]
66 [Assenmnx
Essex 1, Franklin 1, Fulton 2, Geneseo 7, Greene 2, Herkimer 6,
Jefferson 26, Kings 3, Lewis 2, Livingston 14, Madison 6, Monroe
61, Montgomery 2, New-York 9, Niagara 10, Onondaga 43, Oneida
88, Ontario 19, Orleans 14, Oswego 14, Otsego 9, Queons 2, Rens-
selaer 16, Saratoga 10, Schaharie 3, Seneca 8, Steuben 10, St. Law
fence 5, Tioga 5, Tompkins 4, Washington 1, Wayne 9, Wyoming
10, Yates 6, total 609.
‘Sing Sing —New-York 402, Albany 41, Dutchess 30, Queens 18)
Woshington 6, Rockland 8, Delaware 3, Richmond 4, Oneida 4,
Schenectady 2, Montgomery 2, Schobarie 1, Onondaga 2, Ontario 2,
Steuben 1, Madison 1, Kings 92, Orange 28, Westchester 19, Co-
Jumbia 13, Rensselaer 7, Suffolk 6, Ulster 3, St. Lawrence 5, Clinton
9, Jefferson 2, Essex 1, Putnam 1, Greene 1, Fulton 3; Saratoga ty
Frenklin 1, Monroe gara 3, Chemung 1, Erie 7, Orleans 1,
total 727.
Clinton.—Albany 10, Clinton 10, Erie 1, Essex 10, Columbia 5,
Franklin 2, Fulton 3, Greene 1, Herkimer 2, Jefferson 2, Kings 1,
Madison 4, Montgomery 5, New-York 1, Oneida 3, Onondaga 1, Os
‘wego 2, Rensselaer 12, Saratoga 5, Schenectady 12, Schoharie 2)
Sullivan 2 St, Lawrence 13, Ulster 4, Warren 1, Washington 10,
total 124.
‘New-Jersey.—Atlantic 2, Bergen 6, Burlington 14, Camden 11,
Cape May 1, Cumberland 4, Essex 32, Gloucester 2, Hudson 1)
Hunterdon 1) Mercer 9, Middlesex 13, Monmouth 12, Morris 11)
Paseaic 32, Salem 8, Somerset 4, Sussex 5, Warren 1, United States,
New-Jersey district, 1, total 1
Western Penitentiary, Pennsylvania. —Alleghany 53, Armstrong
5, Bedford 6, Beaver 3, Butler 5, Clarion 1, Frie 11, Fayette 9,
Green }, Huntington 3, Jefferson 1, Mercer 10, Somerset 1, Venango
2, Westinoreland 4, Potter 1, Crawford 2, Indians 2, Blair 2, Clear
field 1, Warren 1, total 123.
Mryland—Baltimore City 139, Baltimore County 8, Prince
George's ®, Anne Arundel 7, Dorchester 7, Washington 5, Talbot
Hi. Dist. A, A. Co, 4, Calvert 5, Frederick 5, Harford 4, Cecil $
Charles 4, Somerset 7 Kent 8, Montgomery 3, U.S. Ct. of Md. 3;
ey
No. 198.] or
Allegany Co. 5, Queen Ann’s 5, Caroline 2, St, Ma
1, total 230."
Virginia —Unaccounted for
Tomessce.—Davison 22, Fayette 3, Hardin 4, Mndison 18, Ma
tion, Wilson 2, Grainger 8, Cofee 4, Hamilton 9, Johnson 2, Obion
3, Wenkley 2, Gibson 1, Knox 1, Monroe 3, Stewart 3, Humphreys
2, Henderson 4, Carrol 2, McMinn 5, Hardem.+ 3, Washington 3
Tackson 4, Green 2, Williameon 1, Rhea 1, Henry 2, Warren 1,
Gites 1, Shelby 20, Anderson 1, Compbell 2, Marshall 2; Hawkins 2,
Wayne 4, White 8, Polk 1, Fentress 1, Overton 6, Haywood 1,
Montgomery 1, Maurey 2, Cannon 1, Bedford 4, Sevee 8, Tipton 2,
Lawrence 1, Van Buren 1, Lincola 2, Carter 4, Hickman 1, Franklin
3, Dickson 1, Bledsoe 2, Sumner 1, Jefferson 1, Pen
total 192, » Perry 3, Roane 1,
Georgia. —Unaceounted for.
Iona Adan 3, atloies Cua Cake, Cat
thlen 4 Cans2, Duseey Deno 8; Deoare yar 3,
Floyd 9, Dubois 2, Fountain 2, Fulton 2, Gibson 2, Grant 1, Green
1, Hancock 1, Harrison 2, Jefferson 8, Jennings 1, Knox 4, Kosci-
wiko 1, Laporte 3, Lake 2, Matti 2, Marion 2, Monroe 1, Montgo-
Mey te Ohio, age Oyen Py Bikey Fone
AP} Hey 8, lp Ripley tou Rach Spee
1 Suiocgh tafe Sohn Tppecne 2 Uo
Vermillion 1, Vigo-4, Vanlerburg &, Unknown 1, Warwick 1, Wa-
wh, Wang, Welt, Wayne fy Whe)
Obio,— Auglaize 1, Asbiabula 4, Athens 2, Belmont 4, Brown 2,
Butler 3, Clark 7, Clerinont 1, Columbiana 4, Champaign 1, Craw-
ford 1, Cuyshoga 32, Delaware 1, Defiance 3, Brie 4, Faisfeld 3,
Franklin 5, Gallia 3, Geauga 1, Green 3, Hamilton 123, Hanison 2,
Highland 2, Huron 10, Jefferson 4, Knox 1, Lawrence 2, Licking 3,
Lake 1, Logan 5, Lorain 2, Lucas 15, Medina 1, Miami 1, Monroe 1,
Mootgomery 4, Morgan 2, Muskingwa 5, Ottawa 1, Mahoning 1,
Pickaway 4, Portage 5, Preble 4, Richland 1, Ross 6, Sandusky 4,
alaeropaney anon han oa ofthe faltonerd oa coat lle tude a
im Queen Ann's, and under two In Talbot county, for almilar ofnces,
13d of course, each counly is eredited with hie couvictlon.
68 [Assruauy
Sciota 4, Seneca 2, Shelby 4, Stark 6, Summit 2, Trumbull 4, Tus-
cearawas 1, Union 1, Warren 6, Washington 8, Williams 2, total 336.
Massachuscite—Suffolk 90, MudWesex 24, Worcester 3, Bristot
22, Essex 8, Hampshire 2, Berkshire 8, Hampton 13, Eraulelin 9,
Norfolk: 5, Barnstable 1, Plymouth 5. Escaped from prison March,
1842, and returned Oct, 1848, and vonvieted in Suffolk, April 1849,
1. Total 191. (‘These weee the number received during the past
year.)
“Maine, 1849.—Lincoln 9, Washington 4, Penobscot 8, Cumber-
and 24, York 12, Oxford 2, Kennebec 5, Walo 1, Somerset ty
Franklin 1. Tot} 67.
Iltino's, 1848,—Monlgomery 2, Sangamon 4, St. Clair 8, Morgan
2, Madison S, Adams 1, Gallatin 3, Greene 3, Pope 1, Clay 1, Will
7, Winnebago 3, Ogle 1, Joimson 6, Cook 22, Du Salle 1, Knox 1,
McDonough 1, Effingham 2, Fubvacds 1, Hardin 1, Richland 3,
‘White 2, Kone 3, De Kalb 2, Warren 5, Payette 1, Carroll 1, Ham-
ilton 1, Lake 1, Monroe 1, Crawford 1, Scott 1, Jo Davies 7, Mc
Lane 2, Lawrence 1, Da Page 2, Washington 2, Ogle 2, Shelby 1,
Christian 1, Macaupin 1, Calhoun 1, Peoria 1, Macon 1, Pulaski 1,
‘Total 118,
Michigan. —Wayne 15, Calhoun 3, St. Joseph 2, Jackson 2, Ma-
comb 1, Oakland 1, Ottawa 1, Branch 1, Berrien 1, Hillsdale Ty
Togham 1, St. Clair 1, Michilimackinac 1, Total 1, (being, the
umber received during the year only.)
Ecsrern Penitentiary.—Philodelphia 44, Lancaster 12, Schuylkill
11, Montgomery 5, Bucks 4, Luzerne 8, Northampton 3, Curmber-
land 3, Wayne 3, Franklin 6, York 3, Delaware 2, Chester 2, Mifin
2, Gentre 3, Tioga 2 Northumbestand 1, Lebanon 2 Carbon 1, Wy
oming 1, Colombia 2, Bradford 3, Lycoming2, Pike 1, United States
2, Montoe 1, Lehigh 1. Total 128, (being the mumber reecived
uring the year only.)
Kentucky.—Allen 1, Ballard 3, Bullitt 1, Bourbou 1, Brecken-
ridge 2, Butler 1, Barren 1, Compbell 9, Carroll 1, Clarke 1, Call
way 1, Caldwell 1, Casey 1, Clinton 1, Fayette 4, Fulton 2, Fleming
2, Green 5, Graves 2, Grayson 1, Grant 2, Greenup 1, Hardin 3,
‘Jefferson 58, Kenton 11, Logan 2, Livingston 1, Lincoln 2, Mason 2
1649
No, 198.] 69 .
Madison 1, Marion 2, McCracken 1, Monroe 1, Nelson 1, Oldham 2,
Ohio 1, Owen 1, Perry 2, Pulaski 2, Russell 2, Simpson 2, Scott 1,
‘Taylor 1, Union 1, Wayne 1, Washington 1, United States Court 1.
Total 141.
Meseat, Cuaron
Aatarn—Wese unble to rey 126; could rend but very indi
feet, 87; could read and wie and Yad soe aoqnalance with
trate, 260; had good English education, 80; hada cane
‘dation, 6; ave leaned to real in pion 118
Clinton — Cannot read, 325 read only, 29; read and write, 165 com
anon education, 46; classical education, 2. z
Tennessee —Can read and write, 107; can read but not write, 4
can rea 7;
Indiana —Who have no education, 23; can read only, 22; ean
read and write, 89; have a god English education,
ave a classi-
cal education, 2.
Kentucky.—Who are entirely destitute of education, 29; can only
spell and read, 513 who can read ard write and cypher, 34; who have
received a general English eduction, 16; who have a elassieal edu-
cation, 1. Total 141.
Monat. axo Retaciocs Cunronn.
Audurn.—Had religious instruction in early Iie, 221; bad learned
the decalogue, 228; had learned some church catechism, 165; attem-
ded sabbath school, 132; had Title or no religious instruction, 3885
refrained from labor, generally attending church on the sabbath day,
105; were in the habit of reading the bible before imprisonment, 556;
tellom attended church before imprisonment, 504; are in. the babit
af reading the bible now, 401; vere church members before impris-
onment, 663 indulge ina hope that they ate chrisiane now, most of
whom think they were converted in prison, 62.
Hanrrs,
Autwn—Moderate drinkers, 298; intemperate drinkers, 388;
total abstinence, 33; use tobacco, 4725 were in the habit of reading
novels before ipritonment, 201; have read them bere, 187; were
in the habit of gambling, 161; were licentious, 431; were in the
70 [Asseunuy
habit of using profane Tanguage, 501; had a trade, 193; had no
traile, 416; were occupied when apprehended, 324; were unoceu
pied, 285,
Clinton Temperate, 66; intemperate, 68; employed, 70; not
employed, 54,
Tennessee.—Veraperate before conviction, 205 moderate drinkers,
"74; interoperate, 98.
Indiuna.—Intemperate, 61; moderate drinkers, 45; temperate, 25,
Sociat, Stark.
Auburn. —Marvied, 284; widowers, 23; have separated from wife
68; those who have farmilies have, in the aggregate, 756 children,
Clinton, —Married, 51; unmarried, 73.
Kentucky.—Single, 73; married, 50; widowers, 13; separated, 5.
‘Total 141.
Tennessee —Martied 116, single 76.
Indiona.—Married 61, single 65, widowers 5
Miscentanros,
Auburn —Vad parents who were both church members, 56 ; had
cone parent a church member, 30; lost both parents before the age of
‘ixteen, 86; lost one parent before the age of sixteen, 128; deprived
fof home before the age of sixteen, 317; left parents or guardians
‘without consent, 94; *parents were universalists, 29; were roman
catholics 82; were quakers, 4 ; were freewill baptists, 9; parents usu-
ally attended episcopal church, 533 parents usually attended presby-
terian church, 83; parents usually attended the baptist church, 84;
parents usually attended the methodist church 160; parents of whoa.
ho account is given on these topics, 129; confess their guilt, 368;
deny their guilt, 241; are now in good health, 524, think they have
been benefited by the privileges here enjoyed, 295.
not given as showing the bearing of diferent systems oft
{pecited, were not chareh communioaats,
‘eligious services of the enoren + they urally attended”
He ismartfeat that there Wem can bare a0 bearing upoa the
ferent ft,
Veg
No, 198. n
Clinton. —In a gooil state of health, 88; in a poor state of health,
28; sctofulous, 8.
Western Penitentiany, Pa-—Married 90, unmarried 32, widowers
and widows 1, temperate 15, moderate 11, intemperate 97—69 can
read, 49 can read and write, and 5 can neither read nor write,
Maryland.—Of all the prisoners admitted since Dec. 4, 1840,
when the record commences, it appears that 252 could! not read of
write; 92 could read only; 67 received a good English education;
251 can read and write; 6 received classical ‘education, and 252 at-
tended sunday schools.
Of all the prisoners admitted since Dec. 4, 1810, 260 were left
orphans at various ages from infancy upwards; 269 were never bound
‘out; 62 were bound out and left their masters; 133 were bound out
and served till 21 years of ages 362 unmarried; 175 married; 64
widows and widowers; 97 were not drunkards, but drunk when com-
mitting the offence of which they were found guilty; 160 intem-
perate, and 371 who reported themselves of sober habits.
Mlinvis, 1848.—* At least. three-fouths of the convicts could read
and write before their commitment and quite « number have liberal
educations. Many of those that did not know their letters before,
Ihave learned to read since their commitment.”
Bastern Penitentiary —Habits—Dronkt intoxication, 68; moderate
inkers, 22; sober, 38; total 128. Cofor—White males, 101; white
females, 2; colored males, 23; colored females, 2; total 128, Read
and write, 60; read only, 225 could not read of write, 26; total 128,
Married, 445 single, 72, wilows and widowers, 9; separated, 35 total
198, (al these facts are for the number received during the year only.)
Kentucky. —Habitually intemperate, 34; occasionally intemperate,
55; temperate, 5; total 141
PRISON DISCIPLINE. —(Cownyvep.)
‘The by-laws of the executive committee impose upen the prison
discipline lepartment the supervision of the internal organization
and management of the prisons in which convicts are eoufined,
bracing the moral and physical influences to be exerted on the pri-
soners during their confinement,
2 [Assemocx
‘The following general heads comprise this duty,
© Reformation; 3. Financial system; 4. Administration and sup
fon; 8. Comparison of prison systems and reforms; 6, Visitation.
1, HEALTH —under which as subdivisions may be included, Diet
Glathing, Cleanliness, Warming, Ventilation, Employments, In-
fanity and medical treatment generally ond results.
wn on these
stead of attempting to present remarks of our own on 1
a terme pete to set from the grt of ll
The prisona which have been sent vs, such observations a8 may seem
portnent to the diferent subjects examined. We sball thus concen
vere ihe opinions of practical men who have bad large experience
fn thee tatters, and alow them to spe. for themalies-| We shalt
wip in this tanner exhaust theie reports of whatever is interest
tr important either to the penologist or general reader, and afford
the alvantage to each of « continuous examination of a particular
Jubject instead of 1 tedious investigation running over twenty dif
ferent reports.
Subdivision Ist, Drers comprising manner of supply, quality,
ceost and expense.
i : i suburn and Clinton prisons,
‘The rations have been supplied at Auburn and ;
the last two years, by purchase by the agent—Wew- York Inspectors
Report.
‘Toe keeper of the Tennesee State prion sates that great cre
este none oa ving, their food propery prepared which bat
a been tune dite coniting of re, occasionally baco®)—
esr in the morning aud vegetables in their season
i 1¢ following ac-
‘The warden of the Indiana State prison gives the following
coun of the det ofthat prison: The food ofthe prisoners bas been
feerally amply sufficient of the kind. Meat sufficient twice durin
sy a aaly of suitable quality. Tye efe for brenkas,
tuficient com brad thee times a day, of good quality, and milk
frequently through the spring and summer. Vegetables deficient in
a dpraly bea and benn soup about te times a week,
‘New-York Sing Sing S. P., 1849—Warden's Report—Little or
no change of diet was made during the summer. We gave our
nen the best salt mess pork and beef with potatoes and brown bread,
No, 198.] 3
occasionally changing to pork and beans or codfish and potatoes;
no fresh meats were allowed.
Sing Sing S. P., 1849—Physicion’s Report. —The system
adopted by your board to supply the rations through the prison
agent, bas already produced the happiest results. The general
health of the convicts has certainly been promoted. They perform
their labor cheerfully and accomplish more, and the prison officers
ate relieved from those frequent and too well grounded complaints
of “bad food, which invariably attend the feeding upon the con-
tract system. These considerations alone, I ain persuaded, would
seoure a continuance of the system; but in addition to these, Iam.
satisfied that it will be found the most economical for the State,
‘The completion of the new mess-room, hospital, &c., and the in-
troduction of the table system of feeding, will add much to the
comfort and health of the vonviets.
New-York $ P. Inspectors? Report, 1849.—The cost of supplying
provisions for the last year has been, at Auburn prison, 7 6-10 cents
per ration, or $7.60 per 100 rations; at Clinton, 9 cents 6 1-12
rills per ration, or about $9.61 per 100 ratioas; at Sing Sing,
during nine months, from Jan. 1, to Sept. 30, supplied by the agent,
7 cents 74 mills pet ration, or $7.728 per 100 rations.
The Inspectors are decidedly of opinion that for various considera-
tions this is the most judicious method of supplying the diet of the
prisons, The cupidity of contractors, or the fear of unprofitable re~
sults, farnish constant temptations to supply articles of an inferior,
and sometimes deleterious quality; and in this way the health of the
convicts, under that method of supply, has undoubtedly been some-
times injuriously affected. When purchased by the agent, there is
‘no inducement for the procurement of inferior articles; the provi«
fions are consequently of good quality, the health of the prison pro-
oted, a fruitful cause of dissatisfaction obviated, and a favorable
influence upon the discipline exerted. And although contracts might
tometimes be made at a trifle less per hundred rations than the actual
cost when purchased by the agent, it is believed that when all the
attendants and consequences we taken into the account, this will be
found the most economical method. Especially will this be found
to be tine when the amount of the extra allowances obtained by ap-
plications to the Legislature in cases where contracts prove disastrous
‘or unprofitable, come to be considered.
4 [Assess
‘The cost of supplying rations to the Sing Sing. prison, from Oct,
1, 1847, to Sept. 30, 1848, wholly by contract, was. $30,336.90,
‘The cost from October 1, 1848, to Sept. 90, 1849, about nine and @
half months of which by the agent, aad the remainder by contract,
‘was $23,886.59. Difference in favor of supplying by the agent
$6A8V31. And itis worthy of remark, that during the last year
the cost by the agent has been much Tess per mon'b, than that of
the two and a balf months furnished by contract.
(N.Y. Auburn 8, P., 1849—Warden's Report.—It is also ex
3g, that the clothing and rations of the convicts—
supplied by fave always been of the best quality; the
food, which itis quite important should be good, has always been
furnished in sufficient quantities. No complaints have been made on
this head, which are often apt to occur, where there is really 0
foundation for them.
Rhode Island 8. P., 1849—Keeper’s Report—In 1848 it cost
$68.67 for each prisoner over and above the income, this year it
costs but $59.84 each.
Maine S.
should be good and wholesome, but of pla
P,, 1849-—Warden's Reporl—The food of prisoners
quality withoot luxuries.
“Michigan S. P., 1849—Inspectors’ Report—From frequent exam-
inatious made by this board, we are satisfied that the rations furnish-
fed the past year were composed of articles of provision, as well
proportioned to conduce to the health of the convicts as can well
be obtained. The contract has therefore been let to furnish rations
for the ensuing year, commencing on the first day of December, ia
‘the same proportions, for six cents and six mills per daily ration
‘Superadded to all this, much eare has been observed in relation to
the diet of the mea, and whenever it was found that a particular
article of food furnished with the rations, proved injurious, it ws!
immediately changed for something calculated to restore the syste
to a bealthy and vigorous state.
2. CLOTHING.
Maine 8. P.—Inspectors” Report, 1849.—Their clothing and bed
ding should be such as to prevent any sufering from cold, and thet
‘general health carefully regarded.
No. 198.] 6
1849, Indiana S. P.—Warden’s Report—The recommendations
of my predecessor to the extent of such legislative construction of
the law as t0 equalize the payment to pardoned, and other discharg-
ed convicts, and to furnish some plain and cheap clothing, to the
discharged conviet, are respectfully repeated by the undersigned.
Niinois 8. P,, 1819—Warden's Report. —No defi
; len's Report. —No deficiency in suita-
Ue clothing, and are wel provided with bed clothing. suicent to
render tem comfortable daring the inclement season of the year
The prisoners sometimes complain, but as soon as itis mentioned, the
deficiency is supplied. ,
3. CLEANLINESS.
Massachusetts 8, Pry 1849 —Warden's i
; andes ReportoI have, duty
the year, enlarged the bathing hose, and farnshed ie with tube ar
bellry, fab toad Lip means of bathing erry cgueel one
sere, according (othe provision of a late net of the Legislature,
and brick dust at the brick kilns, and mud in unloading rafts and
ciently clean to prevent disease and vermin, The expense of some
4. LIGHTING AND HEATING.
Auburn 8. P., 849—Chaplein's Report—Inportane of light
ing the wings—I would agai fe eis
Ale board fo the very imperfect manaer in which the wings, where
the attention of your honor-
the convicts are conte at night are Tights "There ses to
to aulicent enon for conning 000 o€ 700 wen is heat tl
Seem ad comequny in idvae, fr we grat» pation of tev
tne nti prevehs Ifa foc ha god ds be actors
pled by iy wil i te cay fo pecriv tat mush ei at
Ee contequnt pon this wenlighned oley
Were this the proper place to enter into a full dis
" ater into a full discussion of the
subject, it would be easy to deinonstrate that the effect of so much
[Assnsente
confinement in darkness is detrimental alike to the physical, mental,
and moral interests of the convict, and consequently uppesed to the
best interests of the State and society generally. Tt
tal indolence, weakens the intellectual faculties, stultifies the mind,
blunts the moral sensibilities, excites evil passions, and expases the
unfortunate subjects of it to all the evil effects of a licentious imagi-
nation upon the animal passions—greatly augmenting their power
and blighting influence over the soul. In short, the direct effect of
‘the mental and moral habits, which necessarily result from this pro»
tracted confinement in idleness, is to debase and brulify the whole
‘man, and prepare him to return to his friends and society not better
qualified than when he left them to discharge the duties of life,
Tt has been very gratifying to know that each man whose good
fortune it has been to receive a “Tight,” has not wholly undervalued
the privilege, but by his application to study, and many expressions
of gratitude, has shown clearly his high appreciation of the favor.
Sing Sing S. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—The suggestion in
the teachers’ report, in regard to the insufficiency of light, is re-
spectfully submitted to the consideration of the board
Maryland 8. P., 1849—Inspectors’ Report—We took occasion
last year, to suggest the propriety of increasing the lights in the
dormitory, so as to enable the prisoners to read from twilight ll
bed-time; and we again call the attention of Your Excellency to it
from a firm belief that such an occupation of the time of the priso-
ners, could not fail to be productive of much good; for as their
minds Lecame enlightened, s0 would their taste for vice be weakened,
‘as ignorauce is often the most mischievous element of crime,
Okio 8. P., 1849—Directors? Report-—The debt against this in-
stitution, which was incurred some fifteen months since, in construct-
ing the gas works, to enable the convicts to read in theie celle by
night, is not yet discharged; and we regret to be compelled to say,
that although it was costly in its fixtures, it has not in all respects
ret the expectations and desire of the directers. The principal ele
ment used for the generation of gas, upon the plan ailopted, is grease;
and it was supposed that a sufficient amount of grexse could be co!
lected about the prison to supply the works; but in this we have
been mistaken, the consumption of this article being much greater
than it was supposed it would be, and consequently'the expense gree
ter to supply it; and we are not certain but from this fact it will be
1549
No, 198:] 7
advisable yet to dispense with grease, and change the apparatus so a8
to use coal in its stead. If this change should be coneluded on, it
‘ill require an additional expense of several hundred dollars.
‘The works were put in operation about one year since, and it af
fords a brilliant light in the hatls, and enables the prisoners to read
in their cells by night after they are locked up.
Mew-Fersey 8. P., 1842—Keepor's Report —The legislature, at
their last session, directed the keeper to cause a new apparatus to be
erected for heating the north wing of the prison swith steam, appro-
priating $5,000 for that purpose. This duty bas been discharged
by me, under advice of the acting inspectors, ‘The apparatus has
been erected within the limit of the appropriation, and 1 am happy
to say, answers all that the most sanguine expected from it. It is
0 effective that almost any degree of heat may be obtained. I doubt
if any building in the state is warmed more perfectly.
Maryland 8. P., 1849—Keeper’s Report—A change has taken
place, with the approbation of the board, in the means of heating
the dormitory, large eylinder stoves having been substituted for the
firnaces by which it was formerly warmed. So far asthe experi
ment has gone, I am inclined to believe that the present mode will
Se attended with a saving of ful, an a more perfect equilzation
of heat,
5. VENTILATION.
Vermont 8. Py 1849.—Superintendent’s Report.—The want of
veatilntion in the brick prison. and more convenient hospital accom=
‘modations, have been referred to in the reports of the directors in years
Past, but remain now, as they then were, very deficient, aud much
short of what the honor and interust of the State and calls of buman+
ity demand.
Auburn 8. P., 1849.—Physician's Reporl—The hospital, in most
particulars well adapted to the accommodation of the sick, is never-
ieless susceptible of very considerable improvement, The room is
‘uch too low for good ventilation, and tram its propinguity to the
‘main cook-room of the prison, requires more care than would other-
wise be necessary.
Maryland S. P., 1849.—Chaplain's Report.—Daring the past
Year the partitions that formerly existed have been removed, to the
8 (Assemmey
great advantage and comfort of the patients ; but the water closet
which is built in a comer of the room, ovwing to the fact of there
being but a small tube to carry off the efflavia arising from it, ren-
ders at times the air of the espital exceedingly offensive, and this
is particularly the case during the wioter, and early in the moruing
before the room ix aired. Wherever a number of individuals a
confined in the same apartment, this evil to a certain degree exist,
and becomes aggravated when {rora sickness, free ventilation eannot
be had, and the effluvia from unhealthy discharges, is added to what
already exists
Georgia 8, P., 1849.—Physician’s Report.— have wade every
effort to cause to be removed every cause of ill health which is ob-
vious, and think that « great deal of benefit has resulted. But a free
Yentilation of the lower story of the cell building and the guard
houses on the outside of the wall, cannot be effected unless the wall
is opened and secured with grates in several places.
Ohio 8. P., 1849.—Physician's Report—I caused twelve new
ventilators to be put in the cast wing, and six in the west wing, the
better to secure purity of air. Nearly every convict was more ot
Jess severely affected ‘with the disease. A cholera influence was
prevailing all around us, and the system was predisposed to the dis-
‘ease, insorauch that slight causes Were probably sufficient to invite
its attacks.
Vermont 8, P.—Inspect
cluded a bargain with the manufacturers of scythe snaths and cut
lery, for the labor of all the convicts in said prison, for the term of
five years, excepting such number as the Superintendent may require
to perform the necessary work of the prison, at the price of two
ings per day for all the convicts which shall be able to perform
a fair day's work, and in the same ratio for the convicts which sball
be unable co perform a fair day's work,
‘New-York Inspectors? Report, 1849.—The average time per day,
of actual labor, at each of the prisons, will be exhibited by the fole
lowing statements:
Average working ime at Sing Sing for the year, was daily eight
hours and 47 Jp minutes; at Auburn, average working time per
day for the year, 10 hours and 17 minutes; and at Clinton, per day
for half of the year, 9 hours and 45 minutes
9
‘Sing Sing 8. P., 1849—Warden’s Report.—From a careful
exaaination of its avails and results, 1 am satisfied that the employ
F ment of the convicts at this prison, ia the quarries and cutting stone,
is unprofitable. ‘When all the expenses of quarrying the stone, of
tools teams, carts an feed aze taken into the account, it yields but
litle revenue to the State. If discontinued, it would dispose of the
cecasion of complaint on the part of a very respectable class of
aechanies, who seem to suppose that their business is interfered
with by convict labor.
Matron’s Report, 1849.—From the experience 1 have already
bad, I cannot approve of button waking as a branch of female em-
ployment. Tt is far more masculine and laborious than the avoca
tions females generally engage in, while it has a tendency to unfit
them for other and more appropriate duties. But few if any will
‘exer pursue it after the expiration of their sentences, and it certainly
isnot calculated to improve their minds or morals, or to aid in re-
slaiming them from future errors.
Those employed in binding hats ear
This business is suitable for females,
tastes and usual habits,
out 25 cents per day.
ig congenial with their
§
Indiana 8. P., 1849—Warden's Report-—The convicts have not
apparently been orer-worked. In the various employments of many
convicts without the walls, it has been impossible for the undersigned
to supervise the treatment of the convicts at their labor. He can
caly speak of their appearance on retuining to the prison, or when
socidentally seen at their work, ees. of intoxication
fave occurred among the convicts employed without the walle, e-
pecially with those entrusted as trusties, or set at separate labor
‘without the supervision of a guard. This has caused the infliction
of punishment and endangered the discipline within the walls.
Tam restricted not to reduce the period of labor of the convicts
lelow ten hours per day.
Occurario Pazvious to.Coswiction.
MN. ¥., Audurn, 1619-—Architets 1, bakers 4, barbers 10, brew=
ec, blacksmiths 12, boatmen 37, butchers 6, cabinet-makers 12,
carpenters 29, clerks 8, cooks 4, conpers 14, engineers 3, farmers
169, farriers 1, gardners 3, gold pencil makers 1, gracers 7, gunsmith
1, hatter 1, laborers 183, lawyers 2, machinists 13, masons 4, mer
80 [Assexocr
chants 6, millers 3, moulders 3, miscellaneous 8, painters 5, pedlers
12, physician 1, platers 3, portrait painter 1, printers 4, sadslers 2,
milors 41, shoemakers 31, stone-cutters 5, tailors 11, tanners 2,
teachers 2, watch-makers 1—total 609.
M. ¥,, Sing Sing, 1819—Mate and Femele Prisons.—Bakers 11,
butchers 15, dress-makers 5, engineers 0, farmers 18, house workers
22, laborers 211, masons and stone-eulters 32, mechanics 192, mer-
chants and clerks 23, milliner 1, miscellaneous 61, no occupation 15,
painters and printers 15, pedlers 1, prostitution 8, sailors and boat.
men 4, servants and waiters 45, teachers 1, unaccounted for 42—
total 727.
2M. ¥,, Clinton, 1849.—Balkers 2, barbers2, blacksmiths 7, bloom-
ers 1, boatmen 3, butchers 3, bution-makers 1, carpenters and joiners
2, cigar makers 1, clerks J, cook and waiter 1, cullier 1, cooper 1,
farmers 9, farm loborers 5, furrier 1, idlers®, Taboress64, mason 1,
niller 1, mouller 1, musician 1, estler 1, painter J, printer 1, sadder
1, sailors 2, ship carpenter 1, shoemakers 12, tailor 2, tanner 1, up-
holsterer 1, weaver I—total 124
New-Jersey, 1849.—Artist 1, barbers 2, basket-maker 1, brick-
maker 1, blacksmiths 2, butcher J, eabinet-makers 3, carpenters 6,
carver and gilder 1, chaitsmaker 1, cook 1, harness-maker 1, iron
worker 1, machinists 4, mason 3, match-maker 3, no occupation 61,
printer 1, school teacher 1, shormakers 7, sweeps 3, tobacconist 1,
turner 1, weavers 3, wheelwrights 2—total 108. (No, reed. only.)
Penneyloania, Western Penitentisry, 1849.—Bakers 1, barbers 3,
brick-makers 2, blacksmiths 7 boatimen 14, butchers 3, cap-makers 1,
carpenters 2, clerks 1, coach ironer 1, cooks 7, commission merchant
1, coopers 2, cotton operator 1, drayman 1, farmers 4, fisherman 1,
forgeman 1, grocer 1, grog shop keeper 1, gunsmith 1, house servants
4, iron rollers 1, laborers 28, leather dresser 3, lumberman 1, machi
nist 1, moulder 1, painter 1, paper printer 1, pedlers 2, printer 1,
raftman 1, rope maker 1, shoeiakers 6, silversmith 1, stone-cutters
2, tailors 5, tanner 1, teacher 1, waggoners 4, wagon-maker 1, wea-
vers 1, eoal-miner 1—-total 123.
Pennsyloania, Eastern Penitentiary, 1849.—Brick-makers 5, black-
smiths 3, boatmen 3, butchers 2, cabinet-mokers 2, carpenters 10,
44
1s
No. 198.) 81
carter 1, chairmaker 1, clerk 1, farmers 9, dyers 2, confectioner 1,
attomey at law 1, coachman 1, forgeman 1, harness-maker 1, batter
4, laborers 37, masons and stone cutters 8, moulder 1, no occupation
3, ostlers 2, painters 2, plasterer 1, printer 1, puddler 1, rope-maker
1, sailors 4, servants 8, ship carpenter 1, shoemakers 7, student at
nw 1, tailor 1, tanner 1, tinner 1, trunk-maker 1, turner J, weavers
5, coal-niner 1, pump makers 2—total 128.
Moryland, 1849,—Bakers 5, baker and butcher 1, barber 2, bar
keeper 1; basket-maker 1, bricklayers 4, blacksmiths 5, boatmen 4,
butchers 3, calico printer 1, carriage-maker 1, carpenters 11, carters
4, chambermaids 3, clerks 5, cook 1, coopers 4, draymen 2, dancing
master 1, drovess 2, equestrian 1 farmers 7, form apprentice 1, farm
Jaborers 80, florist 1, furniture polisher 1, hod carriers 4, hotel keep-
83, house keeper 1, house workers 18, iron pudiler 1, laborers 33,
raachinists 8, merchants 2, musician 1, no occupation 12, painter 1,
poper hangerand stainer 1, paper maker 1, plasterer 1, rope maker 1,
silors 8, seamstress 1, shoemakers 5, soapmiaker 1, ‘steamboat fire-
men 2, stevedore 1, tailors 2, tanner and currier 1, tinner 1, tobnceo-
nists and cigar makers 2, umbrella maker 1, wagoner 1, waiters 10,
washer 1, weavers 6, wool carder 1, earpenter and farmer 1—total
220,
Ohio, 1849.—Blacksmiths 17, butchers 8, barbers, baker 1, boat=
men 14, broom maker 1, brick makers 2, barkeepers 63, cocks 12,
coopers 13, earpenters 11, elerks 3, cigar makers 2, cabinet makers)
2, chair maker 1, cabin boys 3, chambermaids 2, drayman 1, den~
tist 1, distiller 1, druggist 1, engineers 2, farmers 5, gunsmith 1,
hatters 3, housekeeper 1, hare maker 1, joiner 1, laborers 19, liv-
ery stable keeper 1, locksmith 1, mail corriers 2, merchants 2, ma-
chinists 2, miller 1, moulders 8, no occupation 5, plasterers 3 print-
ex 2, peiler 1, platers 2, painters 4, porter 1, pailmaker 1, physicians
2 stage agent 1, soldiers 4, shoemakers 19, seamen 11, stewards on
steamboats 2, spinners 3, ship carpenters 4, stage drivers, salesman,
1, silversmith 1, stone masons 6, seamstresses 4, servant 1, school
teachers 2, sadilters*2, tanners 5, teamster 1, tinners 4, tailors 9,
tradesman 1, weavers 9, wagon makers 5—total 336,
‘Nort.—The other Stater have no occupation given
[Ascembly, No. 198.) 6
82 [Assman
Occerstios witht 1° Poses.
Maine, 1848.—Cooks 9, Hospital 3, Quairymen 6 shoemakers 31,
amith’s shop 6, solitary confinement 8, taloxs’, waiters 1, washers 2,
wheelurights 10—total 67.
“Maine, 1849.—Cocks 2, hospital 1, Tumpers 5, tailors 5, shoema-
ers 30, smith’s shop 7, solitary 2, waiters, washers 2, wheelwrights
L1—total 67.
Mew Hampshire, 1849,—Cabivet makers 21, cooks 2, engineers 2,
farmers 3, waiters 5, old ond wfrm 8, sewing 2, shoemakers 31,
it’s shop 12, tailor 1, washer 1—total 82.
Vermont, 1849.—Cooks 2, insane 1, jobber 1, shoemaker 1, snathe
manufactory 53, tailor 1, washer 1, waiters 2—total 6:
Massackuse's, 1849.—Balkers 2, barbers 2, brusbinskers 23, ear
‘vers 12, cabinet ‘makers 82, carpenters 8, confinement 4, cooks 10,
coopers 1, hospital 7, nurses 2, printers 3, invalids 4, shoemakers 7,
mith shop 24, stone cutters 100, tin workers 17, tailors 11, team-
ters 7, tool shop 4, waiters 6, washers 18—total 349.
Connecticut, 1849—Binding boots 4, chair making 33, chair seat
ing 33, cullery 29, waiters 5, nurse 2, insane 3, invalids 2, rule man-
factory 14, shoemake:s. 20, washing and cooking 12, making and
repairing for convicts 1—total 187.
WM. Vz Aubin, 1819.—Barbers 2, eabinet shop 44, earpet shop
1263, cooper shop 28, kitchens 16, waiters 30, hame shop 47, hospital
3, infirm, &e, 15, machine , shoemakers 57, soap house 2,
atler 1, tailors, weavers and winders 19, tcol shop 41—tolal 609,
N.Y. Sing Sing Male and Female Prisons, 1819.—Dokers 4,
Binding hats 24, barbers 4, blasters 1, button making 25, carpenters,
plasterers and Jaborers 30, carpet and tug weaving 116, cooks 2,
coopers 8, engineer 3, filernaking 100, hatting 61, hospital 4, Time-
burners 23, making rouds, &e. 28, making and mending for convicts
15, nurses, &e., 6, ostler 1, quarrymen 20, railroad laborers 25, sad
Alery hardware 54, shocmakers 11, sick 15, smith shop 6, stone cut-
ters 40, stone sawmill 1, tailors 11, teamsters 6, tumers 1, washers
4, waiters, &c, 65, weaving, winding, &c, 2—total 727.
{44
No. 198.] 83
¥. Fy Chvon, 1840.—aer 3, bling a sing oe 35, car
enters 3, cooks 7, confined 1, engineer 3, exginc ender 1, fone
Jy hospital I invalid 3, machine shop nae 3, soemes 8, nck
1, sowmill 2 sing and carrying woo! 4, seer ting fe 10, sath
shop 8; pling woot separator 0, tare teomstet yen oe
Tennessee, 1849—Cabinet shop 10, caring room 3, cooks 3,
coopers 21, engineer 1, harness makers 2, nurse 1, iaattrass makers 2,
printing 2, quarrymen 30, riving staves 1, sawing stones 39, sewing
3, shoemakers 3, smith shep 15, stone eutting 47, tailors 3, turners 2
wagon makers 4, waiters 6, washers 2—total 192, ,
Michigan, 1848.—Buber 1, cooks 9, hospital 1, jam 2, solitary
2, shomakers 16 ior 9, semsters 3 wagon mshers 2, waiter
tool manufacturing 44, washers 2, employed on prison build :
total 110. te . aoe
Nore.—he other States have no oeeupation given
7. INSANITY.
Maine 8. P., 1849.—Inspector's Report——Dating the last year
two prisoners have been removed to the insane hospital. One of
the prisoners was insane when he was admitted, the other sentenced
{or two years, began to sow symptoms of insanity in about theee
Maseachusels 8. Poy 1949.—Physician’s Regork-—ta connection
with this subject, T cannot but call tention to ‘the effects upon
health, likely to be produced by the change of the law abolishing
whipping a8 & means of icipline. ‘The alternative punishment pros
Vide the law, and adopted in practice 1s solitary canines
pon a bread and water diet, until the refractory convict shall ace
‘Anowledge his error, or be sufficiently penitent. — .
to be produced, I cannot doubt. ee ey
on [Assemnnr
Looking to the general question of insanity in the prison, Tam
happy to say, that no new case has occurred the past year, and that
Tam not aware of any perceptible aggravation of a tenilency to ine
sanity in the instance of any, unless it may be in the instance of
Peter York, who has been thought to require solitary confinement
for the safety of the lives of others.
Vermont 8. P., 1849.—Physician’s Report.—The case of Lam
bert ought, in my opinion, again to come before the Legislature,
‘and some measures be taken to relieve this establishment from the
charge of a confirmed lunatic.
Sing-Sing, New-York S. P., 1849—Warden's Report.—There
are ten convicts, more or less mentally deranged in this prison, Of
this mumber, three at least are proper cases for the treatment of a
Tunatic asylm. One of the ten is incurable. The remaining six
are not fit subjects of State Prison discipline. The number transfer-
red to the State Lunatic Asylum at Utica during the year just closed,
is two, one of whom died in that institution.
Pensyloania, Bastera Penitentiary, 1849.—For insanity in this
prison see physician's report under the article health
Pensylvania, Western Penitentiary, 1849,—Physician’s Report.
No new case of insanity has developed itself daring the year.
New-York, Clinton 8. P.y 1849.—Physician’s Report—There
cwas one person removed to the lunatic asylum. He had been here
‘bat a short time, when symptoms of insanity made their appearance,
and after the subsidence of the more acutely inflazanatory character
of the disease, he was removei. He was probably (as well as I
ean ascertain his history,) insane before he came here.
Maryland S. P., 1849.—Physician’s Report—The number of
insane and idiotic at present in the institution is eight. OF these
three are idiotio, and five insane. ‘Tivo, as far as I can learn, gave
evidences of weakness of intellect at the time of admission. ‘The
five insane are three white ; and two colored, None of those men
fare maniacs, and both insane and idiotic are good workmen, and
easily managed. As far as Lean leara, one gave no evidences of
derangement of intellect at the time of aliaission, but has become
insane in consequence of vicious habits contracted in the institution
‘Two have hallucinations in reference to their confinement, and one
imagines himself to have been placed in the prison ly his friends
No. 198.) 85
for his own personal safety. OF these eight, three have entered dus
ring the present year.
Inspector's Report, ¥849.—On the 20th of Noveaer, 1848, tere
vee 12 insane and idiotc_ provers eontned tn the Beaten
through the expiration of their terms of servitude of some of these
‘unfortunate beings, aod their conseuent discharge, thes Ge nae
remaining” but eights one of whom was admiteddrigg the nt
‘hich has jst closed he being atthe tne of his ada dee,
Dot bate mind. It is here due to candor to state, that several
thers of the insane and idiotic were wo prior t their imprhonereng
ether of them have become ao vine, owing to indugeres gerne
grading vice peculiar to all prisons” Toro! tone aha woe ay
harged during the past year, were fora conideratle penion eee
tne ft pnt co lent fied wit sani,
Fender it unsafe o adit them. among the other preonens athe
10 be coned incl eqn in manelan Eee a ak
could be, was pail to ther comfort, and every pone near
by our sill physicians, eft this reoraton to rome den
Abie continuance ia or intititon; but it would be fe oe
to conceal the fac, that fom the very nature of atte eos ee
Yeres in such a place is ately if ever to be expected Set heey
Js that ample provision shouldbe made for tele neepaon et
insane hoptal.” These facts are of character to hued ke ence
to demonsirat the neces which exists for providing vee
amore ample tccammodatons for the reception of uch oleae
tay be sina alte
NewsJersey 8. P., 1849.—Warden's Report-—Only one insane
Prisoner now remains in the institution, whose tite has expired,
Conneticut S. P., 1819.—Warde’s Report a nat uncom.
the opportniies forded. inthe prison for ther tear ee
covey, arv very liited—sbil here may te oc tae
Advantages wosld be af no service, there ae thee che nate
solr re Veneiy and arena” Wear Sea
oy oe
it they could
Resvurs oP Mepicar Treatienr, Se.
Maine S. P,—Warden’s Report, 1848.—No report from the
Physician given. “The health of the prisoners has been remarkably
Good during the lest years no death has occurred, nor have any been
86 [Assesaur
long confined in the hospital. The whole time spent in the hospital
is three hundred and fity-nine days, being four bonded and
three days less than the previous year. ‘The judicious divi
time for labor and rest, the perfect cleanliness and. thorough ¥
tion of the cells, the personal cleanliness of the convicts, good and
comfortable clothing, suficient quantity of wholesome food, reniler
Dut Tittle medical assistance necessary. It appears by the physician's
records, that only two eases of fever have occurred during the year,
and these of a very mild form,
Maine S. P.—Inspector’s Report, 1849—The physician has not
furnished a repost, but by examining bis book of entry the inspectors
are satisfied that the heslth of the prisoners has been well looked
after. There has been no death during the past year, nor has there
been any protracted case of sickness
Mew Hampshire 8. P.—Physician’s Report, 1849,—A good state
of health has generally prevailed; there has been but one case of
typhoid fever, and that of a mild character. During the warm part
of the season of 1848, bilious diarrhea, and other Kindred diseases,
proved troublesome, but in most cases were of a character so mild
as to detain the patient from his labor for a short time only.
During the latter part of winter and early in the spring, the epi~
demie influenza was quite ri
There are several cases of chronic diseases now existing, enn-
tracted before entering the prison, many of which ate assuming a
milder character, and probably some will eventually recover a tolera-
dle degree of health is oue case ef u elvonie affection ot
the lungs, which bas existed for twelve to file years, an for ten
or twelve b ' last antumn
confined the f that will, in all probability,
esentvally, terminate fatally; but be has, during the winter and
spring, e to perform a small amount of Fight
During the year dhere has occurred one denth by consumption, J
W.,. aged 57, having been in the prison a little more than fourteea
months, Hw entered affected with a severe cough, which had ex
isted for a to and from which he never recovered.
Vermont S. P.—Physician’s Report, 1849.
report of last year we have again been visited by typhoid fever
87
the loss of four conviets. I cannot but think that fever is more se~
vere within the prison than withoot This would seem to be proved
from the fact that cut of thirty-two eases in the village, only two
deaths occurred, while four conviets were lost from sixteen cases of
fever in the prison. Perhaps, this argument will have some weight
with the Legislature, and induce theta to improve our present hos
pital, which is certainly very defective for the treatment of fever,
Massachusetts 8. P.—Physician’s Report, 1849.—The health of
the convicts the past year, though somewhat below the average of
late years, has for the greater portion of the year been good.
Notwithstanding the prevalence of the cholera in the vicinity, and
ts actual appearance within the prison walls, there have occurred
ip all, but three deaths.
Patrick Kelly, born in Ireland, aged twenty-two years, died July
12th, of typhus fever. He had been in prison twenly months, under
a sentence of two years for larceny.
Simon Richards, colored, aged forty-three years, died August tb,
of consumption, He was ‘so sick at the time of his commitment,
about a year since, that he was never put to labor, but remained a
constant inmate of the hospital till his death. Orin De Wolf, a
native of Vermont, aged 33 years, died August 19th, of cholera.
Hee had been in prison four years. He was originally sentenced to
death for the erimne of murder but eame to the prison under a com-
mutation of sentence to imprisonment for life.
During the frst three-quarters of the year, there was but Tittle
sickness, and no death. But early in July, a large number of the
convicts began to complain of diarth his commenced the day
succeeding the fourth, on which day the prisoners are by law, ex
einpted froin Inbor, and according to long established usage, receive
a large extra allowance of fool. Tom that period, till neatly the
end of September, the number to be prescribed for daily, was bee
tween thirty and forty, and sometimes rose aLove seventy; nearly all
of whom required treats
On the general stalistics of the health of the prisoners the pest
year, viewed by the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and
also by the loss of their regular labor, there has been no material
increase over the average of the lat three years
88
1846-7, 9 1848-9,.
Number of days spent in hospital, and lost to labor
1846-7 -+-- 913 1848-9,
‘Number of days invalided for the day, and lost to labor:
1846-7,---+ 682 = 573 1848-9,.
In addition to this, there have been seven hundred and ninety
instances in which light labor, or change of labor have been allowed
‘at my suggestion the past yeat.
Rhode Island S. P—Physician’s Report, 1849.—There have
been two deaths, the first No. 1. He was attacked in January with
severe gastric symptoms, and died on the 2d of April. An autopsy
‘was made in the presence of several medical gentlemen and others,
fand upon opening the stomach, we found that the disease, which
caused his death was a cancer embracing the whole surface of the
‘pylorus. The ulceration had extended to the whole length of the
‘mesenteric glands. He had been confined im prison about eleven
years and five months.
The second death was No. 72, He died of dysentery. This took
place during my absence.
The prisoners are provided, when sick, with suitable clothing,
nursing, and nourishment, and no care is spared, not enly to restore,
Dut to preserve their health.
There are two sources of disease to which I respectfully ask yout
ttention—a want of suificient ventilation in the corridor, and the
‘use of lead pipes, I have observed that the prisoners in the lower
ccells, where the water passes through a greater extent of lead pipe
to some of the cells more than two hundred feet, suffer more from
‘gastto-enterie affections than those in the upper cells, and on the
‘west side more than on the east, where the water is used for me-
chanical and other purposes.
‘The prisoners are all now in good health, excepting Nos. 44, 84,
and 85. No, 84 has been aficted during the whole past year with
chronic diarrhea, and more recently with hepatitis, and perhaps with
‘ulceration of the liver. Ido not think he will recover, if retained
jn prison. No. 85 has a paralysis of his left side. His case is
No. 198,] 89
hopeless at any rate. ‘The only possible chance for his recovery, is
his enlargement fro prison,
Causes of disease for 1849, including both State and county prisons:
Diarthea, 19; chronic do, 3; rheumatism, 16; fever, 6; convule
sions, 1; secondary syphilis, 6; palpitation of the heart, 1; menor-
thagia, 15 otorthea, 1; dyspepsia, 11; cough, 4; cancer of the
stomach, 15 pneumonia, 1; nephritis, 1; cholera, 6; epilepsy, 15 dys
entery, 55 tonsilitis, 1; paralysis, 1; hepatitis, 1—Total, 91.
Connecticut S. P—Dr. Welch's Report to Jan. 1849.—At the
time of presenting my last report, several of the convicts were suffer-
ing from the prevalence of small pox. Since that date, no unusual
sickness prevailed, previous to my resignation, and there was but one
A convict who was committed to prison in 1843, with an
impaired constitution, the result of dissolule habits, had been under
treatment previous to his conviction. His health which bad for a
long time been undermined, gradually declined until his decease.
Dr. Warner's Report for April 24, 1849.—Your appointment was
received January 3d. During the three months following there has
‘Deen a very unusual amount of sickness among the convicts. An
epidemic erysipelas has been of most serious character. There have
been several cases of tuberculous consumption. A serious form of
influenza, attended in many cases with grave symptoms, have been
very prevalent. The. erysipelas made its first appearance January
26th; since which time cases have been constantly occurring. In
most of the cases which have terminated favorably convalescence has
been slow and tedious.
During this quarter there have been eight deaths
Case Ist. This was a case of pulmonary consumption. It appears
from a record made by Dr. Welch at the time of his commitment,
‘that his lungs were previously diseased. He died January Sth.
Case 2d was also one of pulmonary consumption. ‘The subject
was acolored man. He died February 5th,
Case 3d. A colored man. He came into the hospital with pul-
monary disease more than a year previous. His disease made. no
Tepid progeess till the day before his death, when he was attacked
with symptoms of pneumonia. Post-mortem examination—left
Jung and the upper portion of the right perfectly useless from tuber-
90 [Assenmy
cculous deposition; the right containing several small cavities. The
lower portion of the right lung was in the state “red be
He died February 11th,
Case 4th was one of erysipelas, The patient had previonsly sui=
fered from pulmonary disease. He was attacked with erysipelas of
the face, Feb, 15th. He died Feb. 22d.
Sse Sth. A man of a healthy appearance had a very slight attack
of febenen gn noun of ich be eae in bis eal Feb. 17
There was very little constitutional disturbance, and on the 21st he
went of his own accord to the shop. Before noon he had a fainting
fit, and came in with symptoms of great depression. Pulse at the
wrist was scarcely perceptible. He vomited freely. The hospital
Deing full he was sent to his cell, where every thing necessary to his
‘comfort was provided. In the evening he appeared much the same,
‘The next morning he appeared rather better; pulse was fuller and
there was Jess distress at the precordia, and less vouiting. Counsel
‘was bad in the course of the day. At night he was about the same
as in the morning. All this time his intellect was unaffected. The
ext morning he was found dead in his cell. Post mortem examina-
tion—Drs. Welch and Wilson attended. The contents of the chest
were perfectly healthy. The intestines contained scarcely a particle
of fecal matter. ‘The stomach was empty and the mucus membrane
more particularly in greater curvature, was in a state of softening.
This was the only lesion found. ‘The other viseera were in a healthy
state,
Case Gih. The patient was a colored man, who it appears: had
been subject to psluouary disease previous 19 his comuaitment. He
was attacked with erysipelas om the leit hand, Keb. 24th,
syniptoins at first were not severe, but the whole arm
J, bis breathing became very difficult, expectoration
streaked with blood, and there were symptoms of
fe symptoms increased, and he died March
howed the
nd the heart un
apse.
7, Post-mortein examination
lungs in a higbly congested state,
with blood.
uupper portion of both
lly distended
Jase 7th. This also was a ease of erysipelas. The eruption ap-
peared! on the fice March 19th. ‘The wost marked feature in the
Course of the disease was very active delirium, so much so, it became
necessary to coniine the patient. He died Mareh 26th,
ey
No. 198.] a1
Case Sth, was that of an aged negro. He had been for a cone
siderable time affected with general drops
The immediate cause
of his death was dropsy of the chest.
Me died March 27th,
At the present time there are in the hospital three eases convas
lescing from erysipelas, three from
the face, one of uleers of the lower extremities attended with severe
inflammation and grave constitutional symptoms, one of taberculous
consumption, one with chronic rheumatism, and the case in which a
Jeg was amputated in January.
er, one case of erysipelas of
Vew-York, 1849.—Jluburn S. P.—Physician’s Report —During
the eight months in which I have had charge of the medical depart-
ment of the prison, the number of hospital patients have been as fol-
lows: Whole number of patients each month, April, —; May, 183
June, 16; Jely, 20; August, 19; September, 19; October, 19; No-
vember, 27. The whole number of days in hospital were, cotmmenc-
ing with April, for each mocth respectively, 228, 270, 200, 239,
285, 275, 242, 280; and the daily average for each month was,
commencing as before, 7.6, 8.7, 6.66, 7.7, 9.19, 9.16, 7.
the monthly average of convicts was, 519, 532.5, 547.5, 588, 662,
561, 579.5, 603. "The patients were from the following workshops,
viz shoe-shop, 6 out of 51, the whole number in the shop; machine,
3 out of 41; cabinet, 14 out of 44; cooper, 6 out of 28; tool, 10
out of 41; hame, 12 out of 47; spin, 26; weave, 42; and dye, 6 out
of 2635 State shop, 33 out of 94. The number of deaths in hospital
during this period, was as follows, viz: May, 1 by pneumonia; June,
L by phthisis pulmonalis; August, 1 by pneumonias September, 1
by typhus November, I Ly cerebral derangement, typhoid,
On the second day of October last,
the north wing, and
conviet was found dead in
red previous to my connection
with the hospital, making the whole number oi deaths in prison
during the year, seven.
death oce
With a single exception, this, 1 believe, is the smallest annual
mortality which bas occurred in this prison for some years, But
conclusions relating to the general health of the convicts, based on
the number of deaths are, 38 it seems to ine, of all data the least
reliable. It is a fact well known that the incurable character of a
malady with which convicts may be afflicted, has been a decided and
in truth, almost certain reason onthe part of the Executive for grent=
92 [Assincocr
ing pardons, and although this may be the act of a well conceived
seni i nevertheless renders calculations drawn from the mor-
tality in the prison almost worthless. ‘The whole number of appli-
ceants for medical relief for out hospital patients was as follows, v
‘Whole number prescribed for, 6,066, or a daily average of 24.865
whole number not prescribed for, 2,183, or a daily average of 8.94,
total of applications, 8,249.
‘The marked improvement in the general health of this prison for
Ag, the past few years may be attributed principally to the following
soe} eases:
© First, ‘The purchase of provisions for the. prison by the agent,
So" instead of the former method of procuring them by contract with
© individuals, whose cupidity thus exposed to temptation was at vari-
ance with the well being of the convicts.
Second. The manner of drying the convict clothing in apartments
appropriated for that purpose, instead of using the banisters of the
galleries as was long practiced. This change has rendered the at-
Srosphere of the sleeping apartments much drier than formerly, and
proved an important means of preserving health to the occupants,
Tt can be still farther improved by removing several sources of
‘moisture sill existing in this portion of the institation,
‘Third. The introduction of tobacco rations, comparatively of mod-
em date, for the use of such convicts as were habituated to it prior
to their conviction, bas in my judgment hed a happy influence on the
health of the intaates, and served to supply an absolute necessary in
the general hygeine of the institution. This practice, unlike the
drinking of ardent spirits, cannot be superseded by a more nutritiow
diet and a better regulated regimen, because its habitual use has es-
tablished a far deeper necessity for it in the constitution. I am con-
strained to agree with Prof. Geo. B. Wond, that tobacco must have
AE) properties peculiarly adapted to our natore to have thus surmounted
{the first repugnance to its odor and taste, and to have become the pas:
CX sion of 50 many millions.” Its physiological effects, in such quantities
‘8 are absorbed by the system in the common practice of chewing, are
to “ quiet restlessness and calm mental and corporeal inquietude.”
Fourth. Short sentences. It appears to me that the decrease i
the terms of sentences, which has prevailed of late, bas had manir
e449
No, 198.] 93
festly a good influence upon the general health of the institution.
Under long sentences the physical powers succumb to the mental
depression so common in such instances, and the prisoners become a
hopeless, melancholy, moving mass, whose “ futore is not brightened.
by images of joy; it stretches before them sterile and monotonous,
sending no cheering whisper of a better lot.””
Fifth. The vast improvement gradually brought about during the
past four or five years in the discipline of this institution, has exerted
salutary iriluence upon its health, and should be a source of pecu-
liar gratification to every friend of humanity. The unfortunate con-
ict, oftentimes more to be pitied than despised, is relieved of an
intolerable amount of suffering, absolutely unnecessary and positively
injurious to his physical and mental health. In former times, when
steady, unremitting punishment was supposed to be almost the whole
abject of our state prisons, the inmates were subject to the closest
scrutiny, the severest physical punishments and privations which
conld be inflicted, and to every species of vexation which the ca
Prive or malice of their keepers might choose to inflict.
Not many years since, a visitor to this prison might pass and re-
yess through the whole extent of the working apartments, without
being observed by any, or at least very few of its inmates; and the
nneans of communication between the convicts, either by signs ot
speech, was alimost wholly suppressed. Under such discipline is it
tot philosophic to conclude, that the health of the convicts must sug
fer much more than from absolute solitary confinement? By such
discipline the instincts of our nature are continually violated, every
sound that vibrates upon the ear is a call upon some other sense to
assist ints relief, and every emotion of feeling has its demand upon
Some other faculty to come to its relief or help in its manifestation,
Now is it not easy to perceive that so great a strife continually waged
Letween the instincts and volition must be fraught with serious con+
quences to the mental and physical health of the subjects of such a
astem.
Even under the present modified form of discipline, the accumu
lation of punishment both through privation and infliction, is far
freater than the casual observer would be inclined to believe. With
ut taking into consideration the isolation from every object held
tuost dear in life, and only recurring to those of coarser make, we
shall at once perceive how enormous must be the aggregate of pun-
hment to an individual not wholly lost to every sentiment or feeling
4 [Assuatazy
that goes to make up the sum of human happiness, when we consider
his obligation to labor hard, regardless of his own consciousness of
ability to perform the tasks the restraint of personal freedom, unre-
mittingly imposed upon hima; the preseribed diet to which he is te
stricted with no choice of his own to gratify, and the felon’s costume,
contiavally reminding him of the social degradation to which he is
perpetually condemned
During the past summer, the choleric influence was decidedly man-
ifest in this prison. Diacrheas were prevalent and severe, and sev=
ceral:cases of endemic cholera, of intense character, occurred.
New-York, Sing Sing, 1849.—Warden's Repo
was taken to keep the prison and prison grounds in a clean and
healthy condition. Lime was freely used, tar and brimstone burned
daily in the prison building and such other disinfecting agents em
ployed as we could procure.
Sing Sing S. P., 1849.—Physician’s Report.—There has been
much less sickness among the conviets during the past than occurred
in the preceding year.
‘The diseases which existe have been chief of a chronic nature
excepting when the epidemic prevailed around us, at sthich time
Snot every individual connected with the institution was affected
‘with incipient cholera, or the premonitory symptouns of that disease.
By prompt attention to these first symptoms, and a timely application
of remedies, its progress was immediately checked, and I now have
the satisfaction to say, that nota single marked case of cholera bas
occurred.
‘Much sickness has been produced in the prison, in years past,
convicts coming. from their labor in warm blood, and frequently in 2
high state of perspiration, and taking their meals in a cool and some-
times damp cell, there to remain for an hour, subject to « violent
reaction in thesystem, and not unfrequently to a chill which compet
them to wrap themselves in thei blanket, ‘This difficulty. will be
obviated hy the table system, while the latter will certainly exercise
a humanizing influence upon the convicts, and will be attended with
Tess expense in the cost of food.
The average mumber in the male hospital on cots, for each day 8
the year, was 123; the aveage number of prescriptions per day
wey
No. 198.| 95
during the year, was 32) 5 the average number of applications not
prescribed for daily during the year, was 435 the average number
daily on hospital diet, 25), and the average number daily exempted
fiom labor during the year, 53. In the fermale hospital, the average
umber on cots daily during the year, was 135 the average caily
prescriptions, 43; the average daily applications not preseribed for 4,
and the daily average on hospital diet, 62, during the year. The
stato of health of convicts received during the year ending Sept. 30,
was as follows, viz: in good health, 137; in indifferent health, 393
diseased, (veneteal,) 46; in bad health, 14. The state of health of
conviets discharged daring the year, was as follows, viz: Received
in good health, 101; in indifferent health, 245 diseased, (venereal,)
27; in bad health, 20; of which were discharged, in good health,
11M; temporarily ‘indisposed, 21; in indifferent beslth, 265 bad
health, 2.
New-York, Clinton 8. P., 1849.—Physician’s Report—There
ave been in the hospital during the year 22. - The daily average
in the hospital was 347; whole number of prescriptions out of
the hospital 4038, or daily average of 11. died 4 5 excused
fiom labor, average of each month,
‘The character of the diseases has been mostly inflammatory, aifect-
ing principally the viscera of the abdomen.
The health of the prison is at present better than at any otber
time since T have been connected with it, there being no one at pre-
sent requiring medical treatment.
Newdersey 8. P., 1819,—Warden’s Report—I will here repeat,
that, in point of both mental and physical health, our prisoners will
compare with those of any penal institution in the country.
New-Jersey, Physician's Report—There have been three deaths
inthe Prison during the past year. One of these deaths has been
from consumption of the lungs, one from an old disease of the bones
ef the neck, ending in a destruction of the spinal marrow, and the
ther from a wound on the throat, made by an insane prisoner.
You have also been informed, that through the whole year, even dus
jing the prevalence of the cholera, the prisoners, as a body, have
ad better health than the people in the surrounding healthy neigh-
tortood, ‘This remarkable exemption from disease has not been pe-
faliar to this season—it has become the habit of the house. The
Pea ise
y
id
w
96 [Assmane
deaths doring the last eleven years have not averaged two a year,
‘counting such accidents and incurable cases of long standing as
fhust have proved fatal any where. When it is remembered that
‘bout two hundred and seventy-five persons are yearly confined in
this Prison, the small mortality is so unusual, that the fact has be-
come of great interest to those connected with the management of
public institutions, Select where you will, an equal number of the
Tame kind of individuals, ages, sexes, habits and constitutions, the
early mortality among them is fa greater. Even in those socie-
ies where comparative youth, sound health, and good habits are re-
quired for admission, the known statistics show # mortality four-fold
greater than in this institution,
“What are the eauses of this remarkable degree of health?
Nutritious, well-cooked palatable food, the best meats and vegeta-
bles, so varied as to make a prison meal no punishment.
“Abundance of clean warm garments and bedding.
Careful attention to temperature and ventilation.
Exercise in the open air, when the health absolutely requires it.
Constant employment on such work as calls into use the whole
‘muscular system, as far as possible, and this employment insisted up-
on as a virtue.
‘A discipline that degrades the prisoner Jess, perhaps, in this than
any other prison, for no man who conducts himself well, is ever
treated otherwise than in the most friendly and cheerful manner.
Finally, that jut estimate of one of the human wants which makes
some intercourse with his kind a positive necessity, and without
‘which, except in rare instances, the mental and physical state must
suffer, is never forgotten. In the construction of prisons with sepat=
fate cells, prisoners will communicate. The walls are conductors of
Sound, Waterpipes, heating-tubes, ventilators, in fact all, to am
foute car and patient experiment, will afford means of intercouse
hardly suspected by a casual visitor of a prison. Whilst the conv
is industrious, and well behaved in all other respects, the mere feet
of his speaking through the walls of his cell to another, has not, of
Tate years, been a cause for harsh rebuke or punishment. ‘This e
change of thought has been the means of cheering, in a measure, hit
No. 198.] . i
unocenpied time, and producing an elasticity of mind such as never
can exist in entice solitude. re
Eastern State Penitentiary, 1849—Physician’s Report—Having
slnesaed The ear of war Tee a toarale raprisoment ox edoiniteed ta the
Pastern Penitentiary on the physical and mental health of two gen
erationy® of the inmates of that Institution, T consider that a candid
exposition of my opinions on all matters relating to the subject is
equally due both to the friends and the oppones's of the system.
And if in the expression of my views 1 fail to give satisfaction to
the ultra advocates of either system, I can only say, that it is my
earnest desire truthfully to represent the convictions that have been
forced upon me by five and a half years? observation and reflect
In all the discussions that have taken place respecting the merits
and demerits of the Pennsylvania system, ion is, that neith«
er its friends nor its opponents have placed :
Tes friends, many of them at least, co1
nas view any suggestion for its improvement a8 a devial of ite
jist merits, or a covert attempt to destroy it 5 while its enemies, >.
founding their opinions on efets that are only doe fo defective ade
ninistration, and deeming it susceptible of no improvement, denounce
as barbarous and inhuman. Now, Tam confilent, that no eandid
and competent observer would for a moment agree with the dogmas
af ithe pty. Place hin in the Basler Penitentiary, and after
ue deliberation, though he may acknowledge to our Boston friends
having seen somewhat to justly H te moar
in the construction and ad
tion is required to place as gard heath, on a Pat
their cherished model at Charlestown. e ° a .
Nor would these architectural and diseipli
volve the slightest infraction of the professed! priaciples of the Penn
fplvania system. The separation of convicts from exch other can be
4 easily effected with due regord to physiological laws as. in utter
lance of them ; and, surely, hardly any one need now be told that
tencen of white
thay ant 1
Of is nmnates, If Timay Bo'atlowed the tee of that
[Assembly, No. 198.] 7
te
ae ae
98 [Assen
where the dictates of these laws are respected they yield in retum
Tongesity and health, bat where their requirements are despised,
whether it be in a castle oF in a cottage, an alms-house or a prison,
the inevitable results are su Now, it must be ac-
Jmowledged, that any one visiting the astern Penitentiary will find
a sufficient violation of these Jaws to account for all the undve
Amount of physical and mental diseases it contains, without charg
ing them to the principle of separation
ring and death.
‘The mode of heating the establishment is exceedingly defective
In cold weather a uniloria and sufficiently high temperature is quite
unattainable, notwithstanding our most strenuous efforts ; and the
injury to health hence arising is quite too obvious to be questioned.
cells when the temperature out of doors does not
and the
1 we vst the
rei theailof rey though ove tay find the wall dy
Ta di tedling af the prise comfortable, yet it not a
Feet pa gernny kad the former dripping, andthe later started
stents pre and we al thi the paste Wh
rae crvncd of washing o rather fooling the cell floors once +
eerie of the prisoner actually turning thir hydrants and
weeteg the water fow unl the for is cover —I think may
seers nsmromptign con be accomnted, fr, without seking, te
uve in the patent lation
vell-being of both mind
‘The importance of fresh, pure air to the well-being of both
and Gedy, need not in these days be insisted on j yet it must be ac-
Knowledged, that the ventilation in the Eastern Penitentiary is de-
feotive. It is true, when the doors communicating with the yard
and corridors are open a stream of fresh air rushes through the cells
‘which imparts life and vigor to their inmates, but when these are
Cloved—and this under present arrangements must average mot
than twenty-two hours a day—the current almost ceases, and &
more or less vitiated atmosphere alone remains to be inhaled by the
prisoners.
‘There are few more potent sources of il-bealth than tie emon
tions from privies, and it is certain that in our cells these odors a7
| often intolerably ofesive. The use of horde of lime, ant the
i : : much to abate this
ight fitting covers recently applied, have done mu
| disagreeable nuisance ; but until our supply of water admits of the
‘pes being washed out at least once a day, more or Less inj")
to health must arise from them,
149
No. 198.} 99
T cannot probably find a more fitting place than this to notice the
‘existence of a similar nuisance, which, though situated beyond the
walls, requires but the aid of a north-easterly wind to render its ef
fects in our midst most painfully manifest. I allude to the poudrette
manufactory located within a few yards of the building,
Combined with the foregoing hygienic defects it would be hard to
calculate the exact influence of the deficient light of our cells on the
health of. the prisoners, but that it exerts a considerable power in
the production of disease both experience and analogy sufficiently
prove. On plants, the effects of cellars and other darkened situa~
tions are familiar to all; and men and animals when deprived of
Tight, though they enjoy every other source of health, are dist
guished by their pallid looks and other marks of imperfect org
tion.
I have now enumerated the chief hygienic defects that exist in
the construction of the cells, and though I do not pretend that any
of them, save the first, always exist in the extreme, yet all of them
are present in a considerable degree ; and when their separate infla-
ences are combined, no candid man can doubt, whether he be friend
or enemy of our system, that they must exert an unequivocal power
in the production of disease.
The healthy or unhealthy character of different trades is well |
Anown, and it is to be regretted that nearly all those in operation |
in the Eastern Penitentiary are proverbially deleterious. In the
shoemaking and weaving departments the great majority of our
prisoners are engaged ; six or eight are earpentering and bh
‘smithing, and the remainder—a third of the whole number—are
cither entirely idle, or pursue the stultifying labor of wool and oak-
tum picking. In a pecuniary sense T do not deem it practicable, and
‘under proper regulations even as regards health, necessary, materially
to reduce the number of prisoners occupied at the first’ mentioned
trades ; but the necessity for employing a single man at wool ot
aku picking does not exist ‘ ‘
‘As has been mentioned in former reports, another source of injury
to the health of the prisoners, is the disproportion that exists between
the severity of the discipline and the period during which they are
subjected to its influence. There are many who consider our system
nilder than that of Auburn ; but that is certainly an error. If the
number and severity of punishments for breaches of discipline be
300 [Asses
considered a criterion, the Pennsylvania system is certainly the
fer but those who reflect, will really understand that the few and
trifling punishments iolicted in the Eastern Penitentiary, enly prove
the moral superiority of iis dis-pline, and are no indi whatever of
fluence on the health of body oF mind.
Tt seems to be the opinion of a high authority connected with the
Pentonville Penitentiary, that the separate system cannot be safely
tered for more than a year or eighteen months. Tam not
xnindfal of the rare intelligence that hav been calle! to the guid-
ve that my own experience
saying that prisoners ean be subjected to the intellé»
[gen' administration of the Pennsylvania System for years with perfect
safety to both mind and body. Nor do [ think that the results of
2 the Pentonville Penitentiary can be considered fair criteria of what
‘we may expect in an American prison, where the same discipl
adopted. In addition to the direct
Pentonville conviet has the certainty of an
stantly preying on his mind; and those only who have voluntarily
left their native country can properly estimate the mental distress and
consequent disease due to that eause. The prisoner in the Eastera
Penitentiary has no such harrassing thoughts to contend with. He
Knows that at the expiration of bis imprisonment his punishment
will end; and that he will be frce to return to his native place, or
to seek any other home prompted by his interests or inclinations
If Thave charged to hygienic defects in the construction of the
cells and unhealthy avocations, most of the undue amount of disease
that prevails among our prisoners, I believe the following statement
I Fully sustain the truth of my opinion. Since the opening. of the
institution, about one hundred prisoners have been employed in ¢
entering and blacksmithing; and it is an interesting and instructive
fact, that among those so engaged bul two deaths huve occurred, ani
as far as L can learn, a solitary case of insanily originated, though
they have been as rigidly separated from their fellow convicts a8
their less fortunate brethren bending over the last or seated at the
Jom. I think that to every uaprejuticed mind, this will be a can-
elusive proof that there is nothing in the principle of separating
conviets from euch other inimical to life or reason, and the lesson it
should teach ourselves is too obvious to need discussion. T certainly
do not wish or expect to see the Institution turned into a penal
colony of carpenters and blacksmiths, but I heartily desire to see a8
leaf
No. 198.] 101
many of our prisoners employed in these expacitien as circumstances
adinit of,
AAs regards the efferts of weaving and shoemaking on the health,
I believe that much, very muchy ean be done to avert theie
evil tendencies. In the hist place, the strictest scrutiny shoul be
exercived that the prisoners selected for these employments possess
the necessary mental and physical vigor to resist their enervating
influences, “This bas not heretofore been the ease, Prisoners are
often put" to weaving anid shoenaking whose unhappy fate the offi-
cers truthfully prestict on the
exercising yards are comp
obstructing ‘the sun are almost perpetually damp, and aid very imuch
in keeping the cells in the same cuntition. ‘The labor and expense
of converting these yards into excellent workshops would be comps
tively trifling, and other exercising ‘every respect superior,
cout! be erected at a proper distance. This alone would exert the
happiest influence on the health of the prisoners, especially if some
simple gymnastic exercise were combioed with it. I have been in=
formed that machines can be easily constructed which woulil enable
our shoemakers to stand erect when at thei work. If this be true,
the suggestion should not be lost sight of, as cordwaining és by far
the most destructive to health of all our employments. Besides, when
syinptoms of failing health appear, such arrangements should exist
as would enable us, instantly, to temove the individual to some out-
door employment, at which he cculd remain until either his health is
restored or his sentence expires. At the present time, when the health
of a weaver or shoemaker begins (0 fail, be must either struggle on
at his original employment, or quit it for entire idleness in the Ine
firwrary, oF be removed to one of the old blocks, where he remains
profitless to the Institution, and a burthen to himself. The effect of
this is quite obvious
As I have before declared, nearly a third of our prisoners are en-
firely idle, or engaged at that detestable wool and oakum picking,
or analogous employments, ‘This class is compased of those who
enter the Institution iu imperfect boulily health, or with mindy so
ull or otherwise imp : ci ia any
mechanic att too tious or unprofitable; and by those who, having
‘toatl erie hat bare boen mato 10 lessen the iojarious effects of these ene
healthy avocations, I eannot retrain from rxpresting my igh a:
‘geneo ant humanity that have been iavatiauly Cpl yod by the oficers of
Trent doyartmenie.
102 [Assent
been received in good bodily and mental health, have had either the
one or the other impaired while engaged at weaving, or shoemaking.
Nom, it is evident, that in every respect this is the very worst
‘vision that could’ be made for these individuals. In a pe
sense it is ruinous, and to the health of both mind and body it can-
not fail to prove inimical.
Let us suppose that one hundred and twenty prisoners are received
during the year. OF these, a certain number will be found to pos-
sess the necessary strength of body and mind to resist the unhealthy
influences of weaving and shoemaking. Let them be so employed.
In another class we will find the body strong and vigorous, but the
mind somewhat defective. Let these men be kept at some laborious
employment in the open sir—sawing stone for example—and
whether the sentence be one year or ten, so far from being an ex-
pense to the State, their labor will prove profitable to the Institutions
and, what is of infinitely more importance, preserve their mental and
physical health unimpaired. A third class will present themselves
with their minds ordinarily developed, but in delicate bodily health.
‘These men require some light out-door employment, or to be kept
in suitable work-shops, at easy and healthy occupations— chair-
seating, turning, carving, &c. And a fourth class differing from all
these will be discovered —colored boys—to whom, under present
arrangements, a sentence of three years is almost equivalent to one
of death. Ido not believe that the high mortality which prevails
among colored prisoners is due to any particular influence of the
separate discipline on persons of the African race, but because nature
hhas endowed them with less vitality than their white brethren, and
hhence they more readily yield to the same destructive influences. T
believe all that is necessary to relieve us from our present anxiety
respecting them is to improve the hygienic arrangement of theit
cells, and to take proper advantage of the ample space within the
‘walls for affording them out-door exercise and employment, What
‘else than die-ase and death can be expected from shutting up ina
close and damp cell, at an unhealthy employment, a half developed
boy of feeble organization. If we were to place five hundred tor
gether under similar conditions they would inevitably die in the same
proportion as under their present isolation.
‘The foregoing is not by any means a fanciful classification of out
prisoners. The distinctions are strongly marked, yet all are now
treated alike— the white and the black, the old and the young, the
feeble in body and the robust, the weak intellec and the —storg
1644
No, 198.] 103
whether the sentence be one year or ten, are nearly all subjected to
the same unvarying ine. Is there not « large amount of dis-
ease due to this indiseriminate administration?
I have often mentioned the necessity of out-doap exercise and
employment, in order to preserve or restore the health of our prison=
ers. Should I be asked, is it possible to grant this advantage to the
extent I have indicated? T confidently answer, Yes. We have ample
space within the walls to admit of at least filty prisoners being em-
ployed five or six hours a day in the open air, without any more
jercourse with each other than if they were confined to their cells
If it were possible to get rid of the present amount of disease, and
to start with three hundred feesh prisoners, the proper occupation of
our now almost useless yards and gardens would preserve a degree
of health among them that was entirely unknown to their predeces- |
sors, even should the other hygienic defects remain as at present,
1 would not be understood tp intimate that. there is now no out-
door exercise slTorded to our invalids. Thanks to my predecessor,
there certainly is; and though somewhat extended since his time,
yet on quite too limited a scale—just enough to faintly shadow
forth the vast advantages it is capable of yielding, were it earried
to its proper limits or resorted to at a proper time.
Before leaving this subject, I wish distinctly to declare that, i
giving prisoners out-door exercise and employment, I neither desire,
sor deem it necessary, to modify in any sway their present rigid
separation from racn oruse. Nor will I suit, that my earnest
desire to place them under such influences as are calculated to pro=
Jong theit lives and preserve their reason is the result of any mawkish
seasiblity. Iam willing that the most extreme penalty of the law
should be inflicted on any offender whose guilt deserves its but I
cannot admit that a sentence of imprisonment justifies the community
in placing the convict under any cizeumnstances likely to injure the '
hiealth of either body or mind.
Though the unhealthy avocations pursued by the prisoners, and
the hygienic defects I have declared to exist in the construction of
four eetis, must injuriously affect the health of their minds, these must
be supposed to do so through their influence on the bodily organs.
ose privations which we may consider as acting directly on the
mind itself T shall now briefly mention.
104 [Asser
Thave heard various estimates of the amount of intercourse aft
forded to ovr prisoners, but they were all very much exaggerated
My oxen cbservation, anil the opinion of our most intelligent officers,
satisfy tne that the average daily conversation of each prisoner, does
not exceed, if, indeed, it equals, ten minutes. This is quite too litte,
‘Men of strong, anil cultivated intellects, with books for companions,
might bear uninjured this privation of social intereourse; but the
ignorant and wesk-minded prisoner must be more or less injuriously
affected by it, If it were not possible to remedy this evil, how far
it might be urged against the system I shall leave cthers to deter«
imine; but, happily, there is no amount of intercourse necessary that
cannot be afforded with the greatest ease. Heretofore, the individuals
permitted to visit the prisoners for the purpose of moral instruction,
hhave been invariabiy confined to the more educated classes, T
believe this to be an error. Among those of our citizens who have
less pretensions to inteHeciual culture, many will be found who pos
sess every qualification necessary to render their intercourse with our
conviets highly beneficial ; I would, therefore, earnestly recommend
tat their services be immediately solicited.
‘Though our library is at present much better adapted to the mental
‘capacity and wants of our prisoners than it was a few years ago,
susceptible of great improvements. Besides, I fear there is
not always the necessary care taken in distributing the books it eon-
tains to adapt them to the mental development of the different pri-
soners. I have certainly known works that could interest and ine
struct the educated only, put into the hands of prisoners in no way
‘qualified to understand their subjects, or appreciate their merits. Ia
carder to derive from the distribution of books all the benefits they
are capable of yielding, T would recommend that when given toa
isoner he should be informed that in due time he would be ques-
tioned respecting their contents, aud required to discuss their charac-
ter and merits. If those who enter the cells for the purpose of in«
struction, &c., were steadily to pursue such a plan as this, they would
afford more real intercourse, and impart more solid benefit to the
prisoncr, than ten times their number following the present desultory
conversations.
The dread of informing prisoners of the occurrences of the day is
not now so strong as forinerlys but I believe they are still kept quite
too ignorant of passing events. The congrrg:ted convicts are much
better off in this respect than their isclated brethren, as each fresh
nccession to their cunsber imparts (0 them all that us past to the
105
t vulgar euri=
b ; incarceration. Yet do we
aot often place him in imminent danger of detection by restoring
him to. society as ignorant of its eucrent events as if he had risen
from the dead,
1 am certainly of opinion, dat some means of connecting the
separated prisoner with the workd beyond the walls would in every
respect prove fo his advantages but I hope not to be understood 08
recommending him to be informed indiscriminately of all that passes.
I believe that we should permit a much fieer intercourse between
ner ani! his friends than is now the ease. Letters—almaya
passing through the Werden’s hands—and visite from such relatives
38 are known to pursue a virtuous life, wight be matte the means of
infinite good to Loth the mind and morals of the isolated convict.
The many rude attempts among oor prisoners at the construction
of musical instruments show their strong yearnings after this harealeas
tad agreeable recreation. Occasionally, in the diferent. corridors
the stillness of evening is broken by strains which ate a source of
infinite pleasuce fo the lone ausicians and are, I will venture to
‘3, altentively listened toby his las. gifted neighbors, By many
ay views may be strongly opposed, but I must express my heer
asire to see every prisoner in the Tostitution, who has the lighter
‘usical talent, furnished with whatever instrument he prefers ned
emcouroged owe i a proper times fo i
; orler to provote vistne and
Morality; and in later days ‘the most prominent divine that ever
106 [Assan
tived, declared, “music to be one of the most beautiful and glorious
gifts of God, to which Satan is a bitter enemy.”
If blind revenge were the only object of imprisonment, the mental
relaxation I have just indicated would certainly be out of place, but
win an age which delares the reformation of the convict to be the
Ghief motive for his incarceration, and under a system of discipline
Gehich professes to accomplish this desirable result more effectually
than any other—I consider that we may not only unbesitatingly, but
that it is a duty incumbent upon us to furnish the offender with any
souree of harmless amusement that is compatible with his safe de-
tention, Though under the separate discipline there need be no
difficulty in affording the prisoner sufficient social intercourse to
preserve the balance of is mind, he will, nevertheless, have many
Tonely hours that it would be cruel to deprive him of any harmless
means of beguiling.
‘Though not to the fall extent of my anticipations, I am happy
say that my prediction of a small mortality for eighteen hundred and
forty-nine, has been in a considerable degree realized. Six only
have died and, what is equally encouraging, the indications of &
small number of deaths during the present year are quite as flattering
as they were at the beginning of the past, Indeed, all things seem
to indicate that the high mortality which has heretofore prevailed
among our prisoners is at an end; and that ere long the contemplated
improvement in our discipline, will enable us to present such a de-
gree of health as wil remove all farther opposition to our system.
{Fo the gentlemen whose opinions and exertions have been mainly
instrumental in bringing about this improved state of things, I cam
not refrain from expressing my hearty gratulations ; and I am cer
tain that it is imposible for me to present them with stronger incen-
tives to a continuance of these efforts, than the assurance that the
results in the past year are but an index of what in succeeding ones
they are capable of yielding. But in expressing these hopes for the
fature, Lam desirous not to be understood as entertaining the belie!
that the mortality of @ prison population can possibly be reduced (0
the same standard that exists among persons of the same age it
society. In all penal establishments—especially those which, Tike
the Eastern Penitentiary, receive the human debris of a populots
city—there exist in the constitutions of the inhabitants, previous t@
reception, causes of high mortality, which no subsequent efforts cat
filly obviate* But after making due allowance for the influence of
Fora Table, which forelbly iusteates this remark, nee Bighteenth Ansitl
Report, vaze Si,
No. 198.) 107
winited dee, we have sill a muber of deat
: ex of det, whieh mos
Sind tothe cases T have weatonds and it thre, and thes
only, which I expect to diminish. * me
During th i t
1g the summer, diarrhoea was exceedingly prev:
cedingly prevalent amon;
cnt prisoners; but we happily escaped the ravages of cholera. For
Bs cenion oe have reason to be truly grateful; but no one ace
ynainted with the mysterious movements of that terrible disea
Ae key to atelbte our exape tothe nature of our dsipioe
To what the table furnishes I consider some additional informatic
ease that terminated fatally during the past year. No. 2156 as
‘more or less an invalid from the date of his reception, and addi cd
Wy fae bli whlch ay wel Kuso i ti ne tt con renee,
geet a Scie of heh be died. These facts should me be
Mackaalibe WIN tha) of lhe Wioemalers Seaver, Aa ae ih oe
No, 8895, wile in the county prison, het i wee deemed neste
for a voles to uigunaay’ Mah KI oop Alley od toe
corded trom the sherds wagon to our lnftmary, Hare herererored
wah own et oh oie fo en
Se day previous to tho night co which be dled he wes ot rath cog
inthe evening received hs sper witout taking any ape ped
pane ‘0. 2405 never complained of the slightest illness dur _
1s eee oe On the 30th March he eat all his me ve
usual, and at the hour of locking up appeared to his in paitest
Mold. Hs aed dutig the bight Tia parece pact
the brain, "How long this fuid iad been collecting it laevis
lay xen he st omer pce Want indietel oy
a single appropriate symptom. Throughout the i oF
Hos of Nos 100k, Se tad infalie Siecle ee
bis moth tnd pit ot when neberd. Aer thi as pity
Be aie Sh nly tad tet nan ei
at least, took them so irregularly, that but little benefit could be
expected from them. Indeed, I consider it highly probable tee tee
jife might have been saved had he proved a more tractable patient,
The post-mortem inspection
I need hardly say, that for the death of eit
3 a neither
2405, can the Institution be held accountable. No. pe peti
i
4
4
Ba ee? e
2
WA roe)
408 [Assenncx
jis disease before coming under our care; and let that of No. 2405
originate where it may, it was not of such a character as could be
attributed to a residence with us.
No. 2134 was pardoned several weeks before his death; but ax
his disease originated in the Institution, and executive clemency wat
entended to hivn on account of ill-health, I deem it right to report
the case.
With the facts already before the public, it would be folly to deny
that theve is an undue development of insanity among our prisoners;
Dut the difference between this and the Aubura Institutions is certain-
Ty not so great as the opponents of ou system affect to believe. Tn
Uy Meoat Gtalahment there f.9 much larger amount of oseity
Gue'than in the community at large: hence, {am decidelly of op
bhion, that if the associate prisons were subjected to the same rigid
tests that have been always applied in this Institution, they would
be found to enjoy a much less exemption from mental disease than
their reports seem to indicate. However, this is a matter which in
© no way concerns us, If at Auburn, Sing Sing, and Charlestowa,
there were an acknowlelged insanity of twelve per cent, and a mor-
‘\ tality of ten, that would in no way justify Pennsylvania in per
ing even one in a thousand of her conviets to die or go deranged,
provided she bad it in ber power to prevent him by the adoption of
2 few simple measures suggested by common sense and experience.
‘The intellect of four of the prisoners who became deranged during
the past year was registered on their reception as being somewhat
defective, but the deficiency was too slight to present any obstacle to
the pursuit of the avocations generally followed by persons of per~
fectly sound tnind, oF probably to attract the attention of others less
interested than we are in seratinizing the different shades of mental
development. And it is among prisozers of this class that mental
iseases most frequently prevail: in those of thoroughly sound and
moderately educated minds the development of insanity is compara
ely rare. This is aa impoctant distinctions as it at once warns
‘us of the quarter whence tost danger is to be apprehended, and af
forls ample time to take the necessary measures of prevention. It
may possibly be considered a matter of inuch less moment, that a
prisoner, whose intellect was originally more or less defective, should
Decome totally derenged or obliterated, than one whose mint presents
all the characters of ordinary development. I confess 1 do not
think so, It would have been'a much more serious evil indeed, if
seu
No, 198.] 109
before the Essay concerning the Human Understanding dispelled the
doctrine of * innate ideas,” or the Novom Organum faid the founda
ion of the brilliant discoveries that characterize the last an present
centuries, the mighty intellects which proxuced them bad been
shrouded in darkness, than if mental night had overtaken one of the
more humble travellers in the paths of science; but I consider that
no such distinction can be properly made among those individuals
whose intelligence barely suffices to guide their own footsteps
through the co.omon occurrences of life.
There are two other kindred views which, being also calculated
to infinitely retard the necessary improvements in ovr administration,
Teannot pass over in silence—I have heart it said, that if the Penn=
aylvania System even does produce a greater amount of insanity
among the prisoners subjected to it, its moral superiority would
more than counterbalance the evil. I consider this a highly danger-
ous doctrine. Though society may have the right to des'roy the life
of the body, T eannot admit that any object can justify it in placing
criminal under influences which it is even feared will endanger
‘the well-being of his mind. Besides, if the Separate system cannot
be administered with perfect safety to the intellect, I believe that no
moral superiority can be claimed for it; for, if the mindjis weaken-
ad, the power of reformation is diminished in proportion; and if
total derangement is produced all responsibility is at an end,
In the second opinion above alluded toy it is argued:—that the
Prisoner errs voluntarily, and with a full knowledge of the ponish-
ment that awaits bim if detected, therefore, society is inno way
accountable for the worst fate that can befall him, or bound to take
any measures to avert it. If this theory contains a particle of rea
son or humanity, I submit that the English have very unnecessarily
reduced their one hundred and sixty capital offences to three; for in
the days when a man would have been hung for cutting down a
cherry-tree, hardly value for a dollar, he was quite as well acquai
ted with the punishment that the law awarded to his crime as the
Peonsylvanian of the present day is, that he would be imprisoned a
certain number of years for committing a burglary. Besides, T am
‘confident that the offender against our laws is not aware of the se~
verity of the punishment that awaits him; nor were those who
framed our laws; nor are_many of those at present engaged in exe
cating them, at all aware of their actual effects on the health of boily
and mind. For my owa part, I heartily believe that no arguments
of the kind are nevessary for the defence of the separate system. If
110 [Assemnur
its principles are thoroughly understood and acted upon, the results
sill not require any such special pleadings from its friends, for ite
opponents will find nothing to condemn, An honest believer in the
moral advantages of separating convicts from esc orues, and
‘equally satistied that their separation can” be effected without the
slightest injury to their physical or mental faculties, T look forward
to the day when the Pennsylvania System will be made the basis of
penal restraint in all intelligent communities; bat I rust in truth
confess, that T cannot expect ezedence from others, without first de-
claring that my hopes ofits extension are not founded on the results
that characterize its past administration in the Eastern Penitentiary.
‘As usual, a number of insane, and more or less weak-minded pri
oners, have been received during the year.
The degrees of relationship which exist between those prison
‘who acknowledged having insanity in their families and their rela-
tives so afflicted, are as follows:—Parents, 1; grand parents, 1;
‘brothers or sisters, 4; uncles or aunts, 7; cousins, 1
All necessary information respecting the following cases of
sanity which originated during 1849, is contained in the following
table.
improv
improves
improved).
Epilep
Manslaughter
, 112 [Asseamny
There is a subject which I would certainly pass over in silence,
were it not that the views entertained by « few individuals respec
ing it are calculated to lead to infinite error. T allude to the prac
tice of seif-abuse. Somme of the warmest ailvacates of the Peansyle
‘System attvibute al! the insanity and death that have origina-
ted in this Institution to iudubgences in this vice. That itis practiced
a in all similar institutions, and that injurious effects arise
T freely admit; but Iam confident that its frequency, and
thief attributed to it, are both exceedingly exaggerated. It
is certain that I have own many instances of fatal disease to be
charged to this cause when the prisoner, ia the full consciousness of
hhis condition, declared within a day or two of death that he had
never been guilty of it, or-at lenst, so seldom that it is preposterou
to suppose that it had the slightest influence in the production of his
malady. Thus, it was said that the insanity and death of the last
Prisoner who died in the Tostitution was caused by this habit, yet
within half an hour of his death he most emphatically denied having
ever indulged in its and I have known and could specify many simi
lar instances were I not in haste to drop so uninviting a theme.
The improvements in our administration, which I have indicated
as requisite to preserve the due proportion of health among our pri
soners, may by some be considered unnecessary, and in others may
excite surprise. Perhaps, without lengthened. discussion, I could
say nothing more likely to substantiate my opinions, than that they
were formed at a time when T knew and cared but little for * ays
tems” of imprisonment, and that they have been strengthened by
subsequent stuly and experience. When I fist took charge of the
Medical Department of the Institution, I was perfectly ignorant in
all matters relating to penal economy; but my knowledge of bygien
‘was sufficient to enable me to discover that, however wise in a moral
point of view the principle of separating convicts might be, our
inode of carrying it into effect was calculated to act more or less
injuriously on the heaith of those subjected to it. Nor was T at
surprised to find it so. When the Eastern Penitentiary was erected,
hygienic laws were so little understood, or, at least, acted on, that
even hospitals, designed for the reception and cure of physical dis-
ease, were constructed with but little regard to their principles.
The following account of fatal cases in this Penitentiary for the
Past year (1649) is presented, viz.: Number 2156, white male, aged
45, born in New-York, after three months confinement in county
Prison, was admitted November 12, 1846; first conviction, erie,
16
No. im 13
horse stealing; sentence, 8 years; afflicted with rheum:
‘wright before conviction, in prison a turner; single man and inteme
perate, died Jan. 26th, 1849, of paraplegia, after 2 years, 2 months
and 4 days confinement.
No, 2885, white, male, aged 32, born in Ireland, confined in coun-
ty prison 5 weeks, admitted Oct. 2, 1848, with intermittent fever,
sentenced 3 years for larceny, first conviction, former occupation
sailor, present weaver, single, intemperate, died March 11, 1819, of
intermittent fever, in prison 5 mos. 9 days.
- 2094, white, male, age, 53, born in Maryland, time in county
prison, 8 weeks, admitted April 16, 1845, with hernia, sentenced 3
years for burglary, first offence, occupation, laborer, ia prison, wool
picker, single, intemperate, died March 22, 1849, of hydrothorax,
in prison 2 yrs. 11 mos.
No, 2405, black, male, aged 24, born in Pennsylvania, time in
county prison 2 mos, admitted Dee. 6, 1848, in good health, sen-
tenced 2 yrs. 6 mos. for robbery, first conviction, occupation, laborer,
in prison, weaver, occasionally intemperate, died March 31, 1849,
of disease of brain, in prison 4 mos. 2 days.
No. 1924, white, male, aged 65, born in Germany, time in coun-
ty prison 2 mos., admitted Jan. 11, 1845, in good health, sentenced
5 yrs. for assault and battery, first conviction, occupation none, in
rison, bobbin winder, married, temperate, died July 20, 1849, of
iarthcea, in prison 4 yrs. 7 mos.
- 2134, white, male, aged 39, Pennsylvania, time in county
prison 2 weeks, admitted Aug, 20, 1847, in imperfect heaith, sen-
fenced 5 yrs. for assault and battery with intent to kill, first. conv
tion, occupation, shoemaker, in prison, shoemaker, married, intem=
perate, died Dec. 16, 1849, of phthisis, in prison 3 yrs. 3 mos. 18
days,
The following is the percentage of mortality for both coloi
Whites 2.5, blacks 1.31, percentage of both, 2.17.
{Ascembly, No. 198.]
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forme ay ynn Cog Kumpapuog wanog wosf prBsoyonp ssouasieg peso pur anya fo quinn sys Samoys ATEVL
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Western Penitentiary—Physicien's Report—During the year
there has been a remarkable degree of good health, except whilst
cholera prevailed in the neighborhood, in the summer months; at
which time there were many cases of diarrhera within the prison
These attacks were sudden and severe in the onset, but very speedily
yielded to treatment. Every prisoner was made aware of the
Portance of reporting the frst symptoms of diarrhora, and_thus early
attention was secured, and prompt relief afforded. Notwithstanding
the degree of good health enjoyed by the prisoners generally, the
mortality has been greater than for several preceding years. ‘The
explanation for this is to be found in the feeble state of health in
which several of those who died during this year, had been received
into the prison
No, 1270, black male, received Oct, 28, 1848, “with a constitu:
tion broken down by intemperate habits.” He bad long been a
‘vagabond drunkard about our strects and wharces—of very feoble
intellect. He died Feb. 3, 1849, from exhaustion of nervous or vital
power, consequent upon previous habits of life—no organ especially
suffering.
No, 1273, white male, received Nov. 24, 1848, “ with heart dis-
|, general health feeble—inguinal hernia,” died May 13th, 1849,
of diseased heart—post mortem examination showed ventricles soft-
ened and auricles much thinned.
No. 1062, white male, received March 24th, 1845, “ general eone
stitution fecble—habits intetmperate—laboring under chronic. div
turbance of digestive organs, and died June 16th, 1849, of chronic
irritation of stomach and bowels, baving been an invalid daring. all
his confinement, but at times greatly improved in health,
No. 1109, white male, received Nov. 17th, 1845, ia good health,
and died Sept. 21st, 1849, of chronic inflammation of bowels.
No, 1281, black male, received Nov. 19th, 1848, with diarchas,
thas scrofulous enlargement of cervical glands,” ani died Oct. 3%,
1819, of pulmonary consumption.
No, 1224, white male, received June 29th, 1849, “in very feeble
ccondition—has had chronic diarrhera for a long time—at present bas
frequent rice water evacuations, very copious—tongue cold, pulse
7
vey m in cold and clawmy—of very iatemperat
bit” did Oct. 2s, 1849, of chronieinfatmation of omer
No, 1207, white male, received Aug. 12tb, 1847,“ with feeble
constitution—mind very weaks” on one or two occasions he had
nearly starved himself to death—admitted, subsequently, it was with
the hope that he would be released from prison an the ground of ia
sanity—was very obstinate in his refusal of medical treatment —
serofulous disease developed itself, but he died Nov. 16th, 1849, of
cholera motbuss refusing medical assistan«
oh 8 § medical assistance till too late to be of any
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No. 198.] 19
The Sex, Color, duration of Imprisonment, State of Health on re«
ception and discharge of each prisoner discharged by pardon during the
year—No. 1407, male white, in prison 4 yrs. 11 mos, health on re=
‘ception, severe cough, emaciation, upper half each lung tuberculous,
severe hemorrage of lungs 2 yrs. since, health on discharge improved,
never out of cell during imprisonment, and but 3 days off work last
4yrs. and 9 mos. No. 1065, M. W., in prison 4 yrs. 4 mos., on
reception good, habits intemperate, on discharge good. No. 1076,
M. W., in. prison 3 yrs. 11 mes., on reception good, on discharge
good, No. 1007, M. W., in prison 3 yrs. 10 mos., on reception
good, on discharge good. No. 1112, M. W., in prison 3yrs. 1 mo.,
on reception good, on discharge good. No. 1180, M. Win prison
2 yrs. 1mo., on reception generally good, suffering from recent injury
to ancle, on discharge good. No. 1181, M. W., in prison 1 yr., on
reception intermittent fever, on discharge good. No. 1195, M. W.,
in prison 2 yrs, 5 mos, on reception good, very intemperate, on dis-
charge good. No. 1230, M. W., in prison 1 yr. 10 mos,, on recep-
tion good, mother epileptic and insane, on discharge good. No.
ison 1 yr. on reception good, parent and two
sisters died of phthisis, on discharge good. No, 1265, M. W., in
prison 11 mos., health good on reception and discharge. No. 1268,
M.W., in prison 11 mos., on reception good, intemperate, on dis-
charge good. No. 1136, M. W., in prison 1 mo., health on recep
tion, disease of hip joint, mother, brothers and sisters died of phthisis,
‘a discharge, same condition. No. 1947, M. W., in prison 3 wks.
‘on reception, chronic dyspepsia, on discharge, the same. Every pris
‘ner, except two in the shoeinaking department, performed full tasks
during the year.
Maryland 8. P., 1849—Physician’s Report—During the past
‘summer and fall our city has been visited by a very severe form of
epidemic dysentery. From the devastating effects of this malady,
your institution has not escaped, and it will be seen on referring to
‘the causes of death, that two-thirds of the mortality has been pro-
duced by this character of disease. Although the actual number of
admissions is less than in 1848, yet their average continuance in the
spital is much longer. ‘The number of cases of dysentery, more=
over, is in reality larger than is represented, for many of them com-
enced as simple diarrhoras, and are so recorded in the hospital ac-
count, During the months of January, February, March and April,
the institution also suffered from an epidemic of erysipelas, but ow=
ing to the fact that the patients were completely isolated, the con-
tagion was very limited, and but 24 eases occurred. Two of the
deaths herein recorded were produced by it,
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192 [Assescone
Of these twelve eases, the lost does not enter into our examina-
tion. The others will show that the present system of confinement
has no particular influence in the production of tubercles. One of
those who died was alveady far advanced in phthisis at the time of
hisadmission, In No. 4 and No. 8, the tubercles made their appear
ance after attacks of pleurisy, and in No, 10 after dysentery. Of
the seven remaining, it will be seen that two have improved while
in the prison, aud a third after a confinement of two and a half
years was discharged in the same state of health as at entrance,
‘This leaves but four cases in which there was no amelioration.
Virginia S. P, 1849—Phiysician’s Report—Since out last annual
report, 738 cases of disease have occutred in the Virginia Peniten-
ary, 465 were admitted to hospital treatment. Among them there
were 9 cases of confirmed cholera, 36 of isfeipient cholera, and 176
of diarcheea of a thin and watery character, and having evidently a
choleroid tendency, and we believe that most of them would soon
have manifested decided symptoms of the prevailing disease, if they
hhad not been arrested by prompt and efficient treatment, from the fact
that several similar cases which were not reported early, either from
the ignorance or indifference of the convicts, advanced to confirmed
cholera in from 12 to 24 hours—I4 died, All but 4 were in im-
perfect health when received at the prison, and but one died from
cholera, and he was an invalid during his whole imprisonment, of
Broken down constitution, and having so
that he collapsed immediately he was taken, He would have sunk
‘under almost any attack of acute disease.
Ohio 8, P., 1849.—Warden’s Report—The continued liability
of the Penitentiary to infection from contagious diseases sometimes
‘existing in the county jails from whence prisoners are brought, is a
source of much annoyance, and may be attended with serious conse-
quences if some measure is not adopted to prevent it. When delivered
at the Penitentiary, the Warden has no discretion in the matter, but
aust take them into his keeping, no matter what disease the prison-
fers may have on them, or what the consequences are likely to be
from theie reception; and through the anxiety of a sheriff, who may
desire to rid his jail of a pestilence, he brings prisoners to the Pea
itentiary, infected with disease, without considering or caring for
consequences, to be confined with hundreds of other prisoners, who,
from their confined condition, are liable to become infected with the
disease so brought into the prison. In view of the circumstances
above mentioned, we would most respectflly suggest the propriely
of passing some law to meet emergencies of this character.
No. 198,
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Ohio 8. P., 1849. —Physician's Report —For the period of eight
roonths, coramencing with the Ist of December last, to the 29th of
June, the health of the prisoners was more than usually good. For
4 few days prior to the 30th of June, there was among the inmates
considerable intestinal derangement, but not of an alarming character.
It may not be improper to remark here, that the cholera had pre-
vailed fatally in this city for eight or ten days previous to its ap-
pearance in the prison.
The first unequivocal eases oscured on the 30th of June, from
which time events transpired thet spread alarm, constemation and
death, among the panie-stricken convicts, and cast a deep gloom over
our city and State.
On the morning of that day, at early dawn, in the then temporary
absence of the medical attendant, I was summoned to the prison;
two of the convicts had been stricken with the cholera. The disease
had been upon them since the day previous, and so deeply had it
fixed its poisonous effects, that no human skill could avert its fatal
‘consequences: the livid countenance, the contracted brow, the sunken
eye, and the death sweats, proclaimed in unmistakeable terms the
alarming character of the disease, which was now within the walls
of the Penitentiary; these two died shortly. Seven others, in the
nilder stage of the dreaiful malady, presented themselves for treat
ment on the same morning, all of whom recovered ; but the strong ~
tendency to diarthera, and the panic among the inmates of the in-
stitution were truly alarming. During the day we prescribed for
Aly-seven convicts, the most of whose cases were diarchoral; but by
early and careful treatment, none except the first named eases assum~
ed a dangerous forin.
July Ist, 62 new cases, mostly diarrhowal, no deaths; 24, 63
lar new eases, no deaths; 3d, 54 new cases, 2 deaths; th, prescribed
for 151 convicts, 80 of these had copious rice water ejections, no
deaths; 5th, prescribed for 198, 44 of whom were new cases, one
death ‘at night; 6th, 30 new eases, 3 deaths; 7th, 27 new eases, 5
deaths; Sth, 20 new cases, 8 deaths; 9th, from this period no
record of admissions, 12 deaths; 10th, 22 deaths; 11th, 16 deaths;
12h, 12 deaths; 13th, 7 deaths; 14th, b, 6; 16th, 3; 17th,
25 WWth, 15 19th, 1; 20th, 3s Ast, 1; 22d, 15 Veh, 15 9Otb, 1.
126 [Assan
In large cities, in camps, and in crowded public institutions, when
the epidemic has once broken out, it prevails to a mote alarming
extent, than in districts thinly populated.
This may be owing to the aggregation of a large number of bu-
man beings, and the consequent deterioration of the atmosphere. Be
this as it may, after the cholera had prevailed here eight or ten days,
and the old hospital had been erowded with the sick and dying, not
more than two or three, either of citizens or prisoners, officers ot
medical attendants, escaped an attack; especially those who had been
‘occupied in this part of the prison,
‘The deleterious agent which produces epidemic disease being pre-
ent, the system must be in a condition susceptible to its influence,
Ddefore it will be developed; and the convicts, both morally and phys-
ically, were precisely in such states depressed by long confinement;
inhaling, most of their time, an unhealthy atmospheres. shut out, not
only from the world, but from the contemplation of its enjoyments;
‘brooding over their misfortunes, as well as the wrongs they have
one to others; meditating in gloomy solitude the hopeless future
with the dreaded pestilence clearly in view, and the almost certain
prospect of sickness or death; and death, too, within the walls of
‘the Penitentiary !
The daily average of sick and invalids in the hospital of the Ohio
Penitentiary, for the months of August, September, October and No-
‘vember, 1849, viz: August 62, September 39, October 36, Novem-
ber 51, daily. Average for the 4 months daily, 46; days lost by sick-
ness, 6,807; deaths 2.
Okio 8: P.—Warden's Report—Early and energetic precantion-
ary means were resorted to for cleansing and purifying. So thorough
and seemingly effectual were these measures, so unusually good the
health of the prison, that the officers of the prison were animated
with the belief that they should escape a visitation of that terrible
scourge which was desolating many portions of the country.
Tennessee 8. P., 1849—Physician’s Report —It seems to be the
policy of the State to appropriate all the labor of the convicts which
is available, to the erection of that public edifice. In the meantime
the interests of the penitentiary seem doomed to suffer the incon
venience of that essential to their comfort when sick, a comfortable
164
No, 198.] 127
hospital. I have no doubt this, in part, has been the cause of an
increased mortality in the prison, eighteen having died in the last
two years, making four and a half per cent per annum, which is
mote I believe than has occurred before except under a visitation of
cholera. This season we have had no cholera in the prison, but
bowel complaints have been more general, and of a graver nature
than usual.
Indiana S. P,, 1849—Physician’s Report.—There have been
admitted into the hospital 574 cases. The diseases have been of
the common type, with the exception of the small pox. This dren
fal epidemic broke out mysteriously, during the summer, and we did
not get rid of the disease, though it assumed a mild form, for a long
time, Twelve deaths have occurred during the past year. Seven
of that number died of small pox, two of cholera, and the others of
the ordinary diseases.
Lam happy to say that the present executive, prompted by hu-
manity, and the necessity which a personal examination disclosed
for a hospital, has ordered one to be erected immediately, comma-
ting with the eell house, which, when completed, will ameliorate
the condition of the sick convict, and meet all the present demands
in that regard.
The good order, which the discipline you have established and
cuforced, since you came into office as warden, has changed the
sspect of things, for the better, in every department of {Ke prison.
The health of the convict is promoted, by attention to personal
Cleanliness, order, and dat
Mtinois 8. P., 1849—Physician’s Report—There is no occasion
for special remark concerning the diseases in the prison; they are
‘hose common to the climate, and yield as readily and surely to re-
medies as in my other practice. Many of the convicts are broken
fn constitution when they enter the prison. Those who come in
sound healthy men generally preserve their health as fully as if they
were out of the prison,
Michigan 8, P., 1849—Physician’s Report.—The health of the
Prison was good during the winter, and there was nothing to claim
Particular attention in the hospital department until the latter part
198 [Assman
of March, when the colored convict Jackson was taken with ab
hemorrhage from the stomach which proved fatal in a few days.
‘A post mortem examination was had a fow hours after death,
which exhibited an ulecr of considerable extent in, the mucous coat
of the stomach. ‘The blood vessels of the stomach were highly in-
jected, and the blood appeared to have escaped from a blood vessel
‘uncaped by the ulceration,
This is the only death which bas occurred in the prison during
the past year.
‘The establishment has not, however, been exempt from sickness,
and in the latter part of the season of a severe form,
The diseases of the summer months were principally fevers of an
intermittent ani) remittent type, and such as were met with on the
outside of the walls.
In the latier part of July the prevailing epidemic began to show
itself in the more frequent occurrence of cases of cholera morbus
and diarshora. Many of the cases were severe, and so many were
under the epidemic influence for a time as (0 seriously affect the
business operations of the prison.
Georgia S. P., 1849—Physician’s Report —We have had more
sickness than during the previous year. The measles made its ap-
pearance in March, and proved uncommonly malignant and destruc-
tive. On the Sth of that month, Thomas Roberts died of that dis
ease, and on the 18th, James L. Lampkin, also sunk under it.
In the month of April, several cases of typhoid fever occurred
On the 29th, Jobn Fry died of it, bat so far, there has been no furthet
from this cause. There have been in all, twenty cases 0!
the penitentiary and amongst the guard, in the ai-
For several years there has been a frequent recurrence of typhoid
fever amongst ‘the guard and convicts, who slept in the eell buili-
ings, and in houses near the south-east corner of the penitentiary
wall. Ihave considered this part of the buildings illy ventilated,
and in other respects badly arranged in regard to health. The tan
164
wa s09) 17 5
yard which is so arranged as to produce a great excess of moisture
in this quarter, cannot be otherwise than unfriendly to health, aod
the mea who labor in it are decidedly more unhealthy than the rest,
Neve-York 8. P-—laspectors’ Report—Of the convicts discharged.
from Sing Sing prison during the list year, as will be seen by the
Feport cf the phy ama larger number went out in good Bealth
jan were so received ; and of those received in bad health, a ve
‘small proportion were so discharged. 7
(Amembly, No, 198.]
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132 [Asses
I. REFORMATION.—Which may be 90 sub-divided as to énclute
‘under separate heads the classification of prisoners according to
‘age, sez, physical condition, character and numbers; instruction,
‘religious and ordinarys moral treatment, ésotation and intercourse;
rewards and punishments; the visitation of friends and pardons.
1, CLASSIFICATION.
Sing Sing S. P., 1849—Warden’s report—There is one fact
which has arrested my attention, and which I deem of sufficient-im-
portance to demand your consideration. Many of these vonviots
‘possess ood dispositions, are obedient to the rules, and are far from
being irreclaimable in their habits and conduct, Others are so per=
‘verse in their natures, and so corrupted by neglectei| education and
evil associations, that they are prone to disregard every injunction of
authority, and seem to delight in making trouble, and provoking
strife and contention among their companions. These exert a very
injurious influence upon the better class, as well as upon the disci-
pline of the prison, Could the prison be so arranged as to enable
tus effectually to separate these classes during their entire term of
sentence, it would materially lessen the difficulties attending its man-
agement, and would redound to the ultimate benefit of the convicts.
Georgia 8. P., 1849 —Keeper's reporl.—The law requires female
convicts to be kept apart from the males. We have no other mode
of doing this, than by confinement in their cells. ‘This operates so
nearly like solitary confinement as to render its legality doubtful, in
ceases, where that kind of punishment is not preseribed, by the judg~
ment of the court. Unless some better arrangement is made for the
accommodation of female convicts, I would recommend, as a partial
remedy, that the sentence of such convicts be restricted to the lowest
term allowed by law.
2. INSTRUCTION.
Naw Hompshire 8. P., 1849—Chaplain’s report —Several who
a year since were unable to read but imperfectly, or not at all, are
reading with much satisfaction and profit, the Bible and other good
books.
Considerable progress has been made in wr smetic, Sey
by several. Probably in no prison in our United States are there
found so few who are unable to read or write.
149
No. 198.} 133
Connecticut 8. P., 18{9—Chaplain's report.—Some who came
to this institution during the past year, like many who came before
them, were unable to read. They have, however, under the instruc
tions here enjoyed, made commendable proficiency in this depart
ment of science. Tt is an obvious and striking fact, that a very
large proportion of those who come here, are not only victims of
‘vice and crime, but that they are exceedingly ignorant. It has been
truly said, that intemperance contributes largely towards the filing
of our pénitentiaries and almshouses; but it shou'd not be overlook
ed, that ignorance is also the mother of a large progeny of crimes
Those prisoners who are the most intelligent and well educated,
almost universally conform most readily and. cheerfully to the rules
and discipline of the prison; while those of the opposite character
are usually the most incorrigible and difficult to manage or ine
struct,
MY. Inspectors? Report, 1849-—At Sing Sing prison, the num-
he of: convicts eecivlag ialewction: fw the Eracciea 6C 6 commun
English education, at the date of the report, was 170, or about 1 in
{ofthe total number
‘At Clinton prison, the number under instruction the last quarter
‘was 19, oF about 1 in 64 of the whole number.
At Auburn prison, the number under instruction during the last
year was 191, oF over 1 in 3 of the whole number.
The provision in the prison law of this State for the appointment
of teachers to give instruction in the branches of a commen educa
tion, is one of decided philanthropy, and of great value to a large ~2
portion of the convicts who have, before reaching the prison, been
educated only in vice and debasement. This department seems to
have been faithfully conducted, under the supervision of the chap-
Jains of the prisons, who have sedulously endeavored to ineuleate in
addition, that moral and religious instruction, which is of still far
higher value.
1M Yi Auburn 8. P., 1849 —Cheplain’s Report-—We have en-
deavored to spend the greater portion of our time with those unable
to read, in order thats they might be better qualified to attend the
Sunclay-school, and competent to read the Bille, Arithmetic has
een taught to a considerable extent,
134 [Assnaty
‘Writing has not been entirely neglected, though owing to the in-
‘eonvenience in teaching, little las been done.
It is with no small degree of satisfaction that we are able to re-
port a much larger number of men taught than last year.
Whole number taught since January, 1849, 191; of these there
fare now under instruction, 65; discharged from prison, 11; exchang-
‘ed for new ten, 1145 taught in reading, 96; arithmetic, 89; wri-
ting, 13; did not know the alphabet, 115 knew alphabet, but una~
ble to read, 75 could read a little, 78; knew nothing of arithmetic,
61; had some knowledge of do., 28.
WM. ¥., Sing Sing 8. P., 1849—Teachers? Report—The number
‘of convicts under ovr instruction at the present time is about 170,
‘and, in general, a very commendable anxiety seems to prevail among
them to profit from the instruction afforded. In some instances de~
‘eided improvement has been made; indeed, considering the unfavora-
Ble circumstances under which they are placed, we think we are jus-
tified in saying that extraordinary proficiency has been attained,
Undoubtedly, much more gratifying results would be exhibited could
lights be so arranged that each convict could share in their benefit.
‘The portion of time we are able to spend with them is so limited,
and that which is left to them after attending their daily duties, is
also so limited, that any very great general improvement cannot rea-
sonably be expected,
If lights could be afforded, so that they could study in the interval
between being locked up, and the time when they are required to go
to their beds, we might calculate on a more general proficiency.
Chaplain's Report-—In the female prison there has been no schoo!
in successful operation during the last year. The Legislature made
special provision for a school, and an instructress was accordingly
appointed, and the work was attempted. But nothing worth nam-
ing was accomplished. Very few of the women, who most need
truction, appreciate the importance of it. The greater part are
disinclined to apply themselves to books.
Matron’s Report-—The instructress employed by you is faithfully
devoting herself to the improvement of such convicts as are capable
of learning and who are willing to be taught. She is now teaching
classes in spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many of them
appear anxious to learn, and are making considerable improvement.
ey
vinsoa it
New-York, Clinton 8. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report.—Number
of scholars for the last quarter, 19; branches taught reading, spell-
ing, and arithmetic. For learning to write, the scholars now have
no other means, but the use of slates and pencils, Benches were
prepared for teaching this branch some time ago, but permission for
their use was given only for a very short time. ‘This branch, there=
fore, is neglected, although the cali for it is often and quite earnestly
made, The statute on education reads thus: “It shall be the duty
of such instructors, ia conjunction with, and under the supervision
of the chaplain, to give instruction in the useful branches of an
English education to such convicts as, in the judgment of the warden,
or the chaplain, may require the same, and be benefited by it.”
Can writing be excluded from these useful branches? An education
which leaves a man incapable of writing note, or even his own
name legibly, would hardly, as it seems to the writer, answer the
intent of this law; nor can he yet see why this branch may not, to
some extent, be taught here, though it in common with every other
good effort, must require some money, time, and attention.
The progress of the school has equalled our expectations.
In the former part of the year, all convicts who desired were per-
nitted to appear in the afternoon of the Sabbath in the chapel, to
receive instruction from the bible, in classes, the number averaging |
from 80 to 100. In this exercise Mr. Throop, one keeper, sometimes |
‘hwo, assisted. Early last spring, this manner of teaching the bible |
‘was, by your disection, ordered to cease, as unadvisable, and biblical
instruction to be given at the cell door. Tnthis new altitude of
affairs, the entire labor of teaching the scriptures devolved on myself
alone ; a work requiring from four to five Sabbaths to give each
individual the same amount of instruction as, on the other syster,
Yes generally given in two hours. Neverheles, I have done what
could upon this new arrangement, spending commonly ree
hours a Sabbath. * pees zane
New Jersey 8. P.—Keeper’s Report—Doring the year, I have
supplied seventy-twro prisoners with facilities for w Three-
fourths of the number, at least, have well improved the privilege.
Some of them could before write very imperfectly. Many others
had never learned at all the use of the pen. Few scholars are found
to give better attention than they have done to the lessons imparted.
From entire ignorance of the art, several have learned to write, not
merely a legible, but a fair and easy hand,
136 [Asser
Spelling books have been furnished to twenty-seven prisoners. In
elementary branch of education, my limited efforts have produced
some good results. One man, from a mere acquaintance with the
letters of the alphabet, has learned, by perseverance, to read with a
tolerable degree of fluency, in a period of three months.
New Jersey 8. P.—Moral tnstructor’s Report.—t have continued
my visits once a fortnight to all the prisoners, taking the two cor-
idors on alternate weeks, In addition to this, I have nearly every
week paid occasional and special visits, as special calls have been
made, or special duty has seemed to require my attention.
In this stated routine, I go provided with books from the library,
‘with pens, ink, paper and slate pencils. My usual distribution of
books is two volumes to each prisoner 5 sometimes one satisfies, and
sometimes, on the part of the more intelligent and studious, three or
four are desired. I seck, and for the most part successfully, to
gratify individual tastes in the selection. Nothing is lost, in conse-
quence, to the productive lator of the prison for I think I am sus-
tained in the opinion, that, a8 a rule with rare exceptions, the most
Ailigent readers are the most industrious laborers.
+ 1849—Moral Instructors Report —
Fifiy-four have been discharged by expiration of sentence, and filteen
dy pardon. All of these were able to read, and most of them to
write, when they left the prison. The majority gave encouraging
evidence of their future good conduct. They had all received enough
of moral teaching to keep them in the path of rectitule, if they felt
disposed to walk in it. Most of them too had Jearned trades, by
which they could make for themselves an honest and corafortable
living. Letters, some of which the inspectors have seen, have been
received from many of them, giving evidence that the lessons they
earned in a prison-house are profiting them in the walks of social
There are, also, living in and about this city, discharged con
‘iets, known to the officers of this prison, who ate industrious and
honest in their habits of life, and respected members of God’s church.
OF the whole number of prisoners, sixty-nine could read, ant
forty-nive both read and write, at the time of their reception; of
the remaining fifteen, all have learned to read with considerable
fluency except three— the three make slower progress in learning.
Many have learned to write, and have written to their frieads since
their imprisonment,
eug
No. 198.] 137
Forty-seven of those received are unmarried, and thirty-seven have
families. Sixty-eight of the number received were, by their own
confession, addicted to habits of intemperance; sixteen say they were
moderate Arinkers.
Sazeara ScuooL.
Massachusetts S. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report-—The Sabbath
school, instructed by benevolent and competent teachers from the
churches in this vicinity, has been maintained, daring the period of
time prescribed by law,—and it is hoped, with no small profit to
those who have availed themselves of its privileges,
Connecticut 8, P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report. —The Sunday school
hhas been sustained throughout the year in the same manner, and by
the same teachers, aa it was during the last year; and a deep in-
terest bas apparently been taken in the instructions given. Some
‘who are now here, and others who have been discharged, have been
taught to read respectably.
‘Nz Y, Inspectors? Report, 1819—The influence of the sabbath
school and the chapel, in prison discipline and management, as well
as in their impress upon the future destinies of the convicts, cannot
be estimated too highly. And the prisons have been fortunate in
enjoying the services of competent, zealous and faithful religious
teachers.
Auburn 8. P. 1849—Warden’s Report—The sabbath and even
ing schools, under the charge and direction of the chaplain, are pro~
ductive of much good. Many convicts, who, on their committal
‘were unable to either read or write, have made decided progress,
and will leave the prison with minds improved; and it is hoped will
profit by the instruction they received while here.
Sing Sing 8. P., 1819—Matron’s Report.—Our sunday school
forms an interesting part of my duties, in which I am aided by the
assistant matrons and the lady of the warden of the male prison.
Immediately after breakfest the convicts are assembled and formed
in classes according to their several capacities. Those who can
read acquire their lessons promptly, and nearly all of them manifest
uch interest in bible reading and the explanations of their teachers.
These exercises continue until half past ten in the morning, when
they are sommoned to attend the cliapel service,
138 [Asseaconx
Ohio S. P. 1819—Warden’s Report.—The sabbath school, which
was discontinued during the prevalence of the cholera, has’ again
Deen organized. There is a large supply of young teachers; mea
hhaving generously volunteered for that service. The sabbath school
is now in a very prosperous condition, and is an instrument of much
{good to the prisoners. A large number of men and boys, who came
to the prison unable to read. or write, are now learning both, and
many of them are making a handsome proficiency.
3, RELIGIOUS EXERCISES.
The moral instructor of the Western Penitentiary, Penn. states
that each sabbath and also on the days recommended by the public
authorities, to be observed in religious exercises, the gospel has been
preached to all the prisoners,
‘The chaplain of the Auburn prison gives the following account of
the religious exercises in that prison: On sabbath mornings and on
Thanksgiving and fast days, all the convicts, except the sick, have
been assembled in the chapel for religious worship.
Tennessee, 1849—Chaplain’s Report—Daring the period in
which I have been a regular Sunday visitor to the prison, I offcia-
ted the first year but once a day; but by your request last summer, 1
have since then officiated twice a Sabbath.
New Hampshire, 1849 Chuplain’s Report-—Our religious ser-
vices have been held every Sabbath during the year, and also Thanks-
giving and fast days.
Connecticut, 1849—Chaplain’s Report—The religious services
on the sabbath have been regularly attended, in which a very gen-
‘eral interest has been manifested by the prisoners, Reading the
scriptures, singing and prayer in the hall, and in the female apart-
‘ment, bas been attended as heretofore, and with much apparent profit,
Thave also uniformly attended a religious exercise in the female
apartment on the sabbath.
Maryland 8. P., 1849—Warden’s Report—On each sabbath
morning, divine service is held in the chapel, which is very cordially
attended by the male prisoners, who listen with attention, and appest
to besolemnly impressed with the importance of the appropriate dis
144
No. 198.] 139
courses delivered by the several ministers, who, with such becoming
and plow devotion, attend to (i sgl wants.” Daring the other
days of the week, the prison is visited by ministers of several denom-
inations of Christians. These reverend gentlemen have classes form-
ed atnong the prisoners, who alternately meet in the chapel, where
they are lectured and counseled upon their moral and religious duties
by those worthy servants of God, whose zeal and interest in behalf
of their several classes cannot Le too warmly commended, and whose
exertions, it is devoutly to be hoped, will result in a fruitfif harvest
of reformation,
Maine, 1849.—Chaplain’s Report—In addition to the sabbath
school we have two services in the chapel on every sabbath. Owing
to the prison regulations,—as well as some interest on the part of
the prisoners themselves,—order, decorum and solemnity are main-
tained during these services. It is believed that the instruction im-
parted is adapted to them in all the variety of circunstances with
which they are connected.
Massachusetts 8. P. 1849—Choplain’s Report—The chaplain
would remark, that it has been his constant endeavor, faithfully to
discharge the duties devolving upon him. With what success, others
must judge, and time must prove. He is sorry that he cannot speak
of results more marked and more cheeting than appear in the gene-
ral aspect of things; still he cannot doubt that the instructions, both
publicly and privately given, on the Sabbath, and from day to day,
have resulted in good to very many.
Miinois 8. P. 1849—Inspectors’ Report.—The amount appropri-
ated for the purpose of procuring divine service in. the prison, not
being sufficient to secure the services of suitable person to devote
his time to the convicts as chaplain, we made an arrangement with
several clergymen of the city to officiate by turns, and we believe that
service has been performed with regularity, and, we have no reason
to doubt, with benefit to the convicts, and respectfully suggest the
of the same or a larger appropriation.
Eastern Penitentiary, Penn —Moral Instructor's Report—In ref=
erence to the duties devolving immediately upon me, I have the
satisfaction to state, that in the ministrations of the sabbath I have
been aided, as usual, by ministers of different religious connections,
to such an extent that three hundred and twenty-one sermons and
religious addresses have been delivered, averaging fiy.three services
140 [Assesums
to each corridor in the course of the year. ft gives me pleasure to
fay, that respectful attentiofMs uniformly given to these lessons of
instruction on the sabbath.
of any unfavorable influence produced by the presentation of divine
truth to the mind; in many instances, favorable impressions are mad
hich, to some extent, it is hoped, will be productive of the “fr
of righteousness in thein who are exercised thereby.” The course
of duty prescribed by a resolution of the Board, to visit each
at least monthly, has been performed. My regular ot stated visits
have amounted to three thousand three hundred and seventy. Bat
many additional visits, of a general character, have been made,
which it is not always convenient or necessary to record. Extra
visits to prisoners at entrance, and when about to be discharged, will
alone amount to fio hundred, and these are often such as will oc-
In addition to these, visits in connection with the
-onducting the correspondence of such prison-
fe their own letters, and a variety of lite
ervices conducive to their comfort, will swell the amount to four o
five thousand visits annually, and fully absorb all the time that can
properly be devoted to the service.
Ohio 8. P—Chaplain’s Report, 1849.—The regular preaching of
the gospel on the sabbath has been diligently attended to.
New Jersey 8. P.—Morat Instructor's Report, 1849.—The general
plan of visiting and instroction, bas been thesame as that reported
Year ago. The religious services have been conducted in both cor
Fidors throughout the year, with but one day’s interruption, and that
caused by adomestic ailliction. After appropriate devotional exer
cises, I have generally occupied a half hour in each corridor with
sermon or lecture, striving always to render my teaching explanatory
of revealed truth, and my exhortations practical and direct.
New Hampshire 8. P.—Chaplain’s Report, 1849.—Religiows
services have been held every sabbath during the year, and also on
Thanksgiving and fast days. Our bible classes promised much for
the convicts, most of whom attended. Each convict has been sup:
plied with a newspaper once a week, care being taken to select such
‘a8 a good man would be willing to introduce into his family. Much
pains have been taken to excite a love for reading, by the weekly
felection of such books as are suited to the taste, understanding ani
‘wants of each convict, Personal and private conversation is als)
deemed indispensable. The chaplain should know every man. He
rey
No. 198.] 14
ust, with a sincere and generous sympathy, enter into every one’s
peculiar grief* and tants, and the prisoner must know that bis past
history and present state are sought out, not for the unworthy pur
pote of curiosity, but that instruction and comfort may be shed forth
cn the dark mind and the sad heart.
Of the resulis of the labor of the past year, we cannot of course,
speak with cerlainty. A lent attention
nsanifested by all, encourage the belief that religion is at leas! re=
spected, and there are not wanting proofs that the gospel of Cl
has been (even in our congregation) the power of God unto salvation.
The aged man who died in January, departed ia great peace of
rind, most confidently commending, with his dying breath, his soul
into the hands of his Redeemer.
There seems to be an increasing degree of hope or confidence on
te part of our convicts, and the ides—I may yet (after all that is
past) be something, do something, the favor of God and man may
yetbe secured—is more generally entertained.
Maine S. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report.—The convicts have be-
haved themselves well, and are remarkably solemn and attentive
uring divine service, of which we have held two each Lord’s day.
Our sabbath-school the past season contained a larger number than
‘sual, and many of them manifested an interest in bible instruction,
Chaplain's Report, 1849.—The chaplain visits the prisoners every
week in their cells, where there is every facility of imparting and
impressing religious truth. The visits are received with great eppa-
tent kindness and interest.
New-York, Auburn 8. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—The teach
«ts appointed for the purpose of giving instruction in the elementary
lwanches of education, have faithfully, and it is believed, successfully
discharged their duties.
OF those who could not read, or who could read but very little,
shout fifty have been so far advanced as to be able to read the bible
With considerable facility; and nearly as many more are making
Mow, though we trust, sure progress toward the same attainment.
About one hundred—ehiefly young men—bave also been instructed
142 [Assexncy
{ fn the fundamental principles of arithmetic. In general they have
| manifested great interest in these studies, and made very respectable
progress. Great numbers apply for instruction, who cannot be
taught for the want of lights and time to attend to them. As the
teachers, under present arrangements are obliged to instruct their pu-
pils singly through the grates of the cell door, they can teach but a
very limited number. The advancement made by those who ate
taught, is also very moderate as compared with what it might be in
circumstances favorable to the classification of their pupils.
Religious tracts have been freely distributed on the Sabbath, and
are always gladly received. It is believed that the revelations of
the fature, will exhibit numerous instances in which these unpretend-
ing messengers have made most salutary impressions. With the
exception of three months, from one hundred and fifty to one hundred
and seventy-five convicts have been assembled every Sabbath morning
in the chapel, chiefly for the purpose of studying the bible. There
being an unusually large number of students in the seminary, we
have had no difficulty in obtaining a full supply of most competent
and zealous teachers.
‘With few exceptions, the hospital has been visited daily. From
cone to three hours every week day evening, and from three to eight
hours on the Sabbath, have been devoted to personal conversation
with the prisoners at the door of their cells.
While there are some of the more advanced in life who give en-
couraging evidence of sincere contrition for past sins and of an
hhonest purpose to reform, another year’s experience has greatly eon-
jon, that it is to the young men we are chiely
our labors. carefl investigation shows that
of the 609 conviets now in prison, 393, or more than vere une
der 30, and 59 were under 20 years of age at their conviction.
WM. ¥,, Clinton 8. P.,1819—Chaplain’s Report. A healthier sx
iment in respect to the Christian religion, Infidelity has evidently
Jost much of its popularity in this penitentiary.
A better state of morals. Profane and impure talkers, chapel
triflers, scoffers of sacred things in general, are diminished in numbet-
A few ola hopers have been revived, and hopefully brought to rt-
pentance, My charitable belief is, that a few individuals, out of
1ea5
No. 198 ] 143
many, who came here as professors of religion, have been made truly
humble before their maker, three of whom have left the prison,
It has, by the spirit of God, hopefully wrought true conviction in
afew—Every Sabbath morning through the year, Ihave been
present at chapel service ; and, except in two instances, have preach-
fda sermon, on both of which my dese was supplied,
WM. ¥. Sing Sing, S. P., 1849.—Chaplain’s Report.
an the Sabbath are arduous, yet interes
cnce in each prison—attend a t
two or three hours on the galleries, talking to the convicts at the
door of their cells. The attention paid to preaching is always good
and orderly. 6 a
My labors
Tennessee S. P. 1849.—Chaplain’s Report. Whether the general
éharacter of the prisoners has been improved by religious teaching,
you have better opportunity of judging than I possess. If you are
fatisfed that religious teaching does really elevate the standard of
noral character in the prison, I trust that you will exert your infla-
ence towards baving a regular chaplainey appointed by the Legislature,
in order that so large a body of men may not be left without constant
Sunday services, A prison of two hundred men is a parish in itself,
id requires for the sick, the dying and the penitent, the regular
isitations of a clergyman. Certainly no more responsible charge
could be committed to a minister of God.
The experience which my labors have given me, convinces me, that
religious instruction produces upon the minds of convicts the most
beneficial results. Knowing in the outset, that seventy out of the
two hundred men could not read, I assumed that they were wholly
‘ignorant of the Bible; and of the remainder, I suspected few possessed
such knowledge of it, or they would not have been there.
4, MORAL TREATMENT.
Maine 8. P, Warden's Report, 1849—Many of the advocates of
the congregate system, either willingly or inadvertently confound the
terms “separate” and “solitary” as applied to prison discipline,
notions of moral influences so far as almost to make
the prisoner forget his erime and degradation, and to look upon him-
‘elf merely as dividual ; and they often go far to-
‘ards making him forget that his residence is within the walle of a
ing extensive libraries, establishing schools, and
me [Assemncy
introdocing singing and debating clubs. While all these comforts
are allowed to prisoners—while they are scarcely permitted to hear
of crime and its consequences—while they are led to believe that
they are only required to go hand in hand with the officers, moving
fon the same level and enjoying about the same privileges—while
they are permitted to consult their own feelings whether they will
work or play, there is great danger that a premium is offered for
‘While the inspectors would cheerfully recommend every measure
calculated to improve the mind of the conviet and call into action bis
better feelings, they cannot think that justice, either to society or
the convict, requires that their condition while in prison should be
Dette> than that a majority who are at liberty, and who in many eases
are obliged to contribute towards the expense of their confinement.
New-York, Auburn 8. P., 1849—Chaploin’s Report.—To teach
this class of men that they are “unfortunate,” rather than * guilty,”
is to direct their aitention from all correct views of themselves, and
fix their thoughts upon the alleged injustice of the law, rather than
upon the criminality connected with the violation of it. To pursue
this course is effectually to stifle those convictions of guilt which ere
essential to that repentance which lies at the foundation of all
thorough reformation. Men do not repent of that for which they
do not feel guilty; nor are they likely to be benefited by punishment
for what they are taught to regard 2s mere misfortune. Punishment,
under such circumstances, is felt to be unjust; and while so viewed,
‘will not improve the subject of it.
New-York, Sing Sing 8. P.y 1849—Warden’s Report—Experi
cence has satisfied me, that a mild yet decided and firm mode of gor
ernment, in the management of convicts, is more salutary than the
system which bas been pursued in some of our prisons, of addressing
and treating them as if they possessed no feelings which could be
reached by kindness and encouragement. I have found that mild and
hhumane treatment does tnuch to improve the dispositions of many of
the more viciously disposed—that they submit more cheerfully to the
rules of the prison, and work more diligently and faithfully. Cases,
however, not unfrequently occur where sympathy and kind treatmeat
fail; and as obedience and submission are indispensable, and mist
‘be secured, such authority must be exercised in the infliction of pur
ishment as becomes necessary to that object.
184
No. 198,] 145
Indiana, 18 {9—Moral Condition—Warden’s Report—No Sunday
school or other religious or moral institution exists. in the prison,
The coavicts exhibit an anxiety for religious and. moral instruction,
and for religious, moral and interesting books.
Newe-Hampshire—Warden’s Report — Perhaps there is no prison
ia the work! where the conviet is better provided for, where his phy-
sical, moral, intellectual and religious requicements are so well sup-
plied as in this ; aad probably no prison bas better conviets, many
improving in intelligence, mechanism and science.
Ohio 8. P.. 1849—Warden’s Report.—Kindness, a principle foun=
ded in the soundest philosophy, and clearly adapted in its influence
to the structure of the human mind, should be permitted to have the
ascenilency ia every disciplinary system, whose end is reformation,
over the more savage code, which commands and insures every act
of obedience by brute force. That by the operation of mildness and
pity, hope may even lighten up, with its lambent’ flame, the cell of
the convict 5 and the penitentiary itself cease to be a den of dese
pair to a mijority of its inmates. That the true principle of prison
Aiscipline is, degraded and criminal as the convict may be, still to
recognize him as a max, to address him as possessing the suscepti-
bilities of our eommon nature, and 9s capable of a destiny far above
that to which his vices have degraded him. That the ingredient of
hope should be thrown into his bitter cup, and he be led to aspire
after better things, to form even the purposes of recovering a lost
character, and a standing among men, when he shall be again per-
nitted to mingle with thei, oo
__ That the foregoing views are not mere idle theoretical speculations,
incapable of practical or useful application, the history of this year’s
transactions will, perhaps, serve to show more forcibly than any
other,
On the 30th of June, the cholera broke out in the prison, and the
hospital being of insufficient capacity, the now abandoned work-
shops were converted into hospitals, divided into wards, and physi-
cians and nurses appointed to each.
A large number of the guards, panie stricken, fled when their ase
sistance was most needed, and their places kad to be supplied as best
they could
[Assembly, No, 198.} 10
|
|
16 [Assenpuy
At this time the strict discipline of the prison, was frem the ne-
cessity of the ease, relaxed. The prisoners wete penuitted to cone
verse with each other, All grales of eharacter were exiibited, feom
man-like heroism and stoical indiverenc2, to the :nost tim ly sensi
tive and shrinking agitation. Tnilved, the situation of the prisom
wwas such 0s to weaken and overcome the ordinary fortitude of me
The impulse to flee was checked by frowning prison walls, while
death and sore distress reigned! on every band. — To pass through the
prison yard, at this time, was a trial of heart and nere
impossible to meet the eager throng that gathered about at every
step, and hear theiz piteous appeals, without emotions deep ard pain-
fal. “In the name of God, sir, ean we not have oar pardons?” “Is
not the Governor coming?” “ Will not the Governor come ant
have mercy on us?” “ Must we be kept here to die?” “ Our punish-
ment is too great!” “For the love of Jesus speak to the Governor
in my bebali?” “1 plead for my liberty, my lifel!” Others would
submit more possively to the necessities of their condition, ami would
agree together, in case of an attack of the disease, to aid each other
At this time the prisoners entreated earnestly, importunately, and in
many cases in terms of moving tenderness, that they might not be
ocked up in their cclls, assuring me of the best behavior in reture
for such forbearance.
Jn my own jodgment, as well as that of others, their condition re-
quired, as far as possible, a relaxation from the ordinary strictness
of prison discipline. I therefore resolved upon the somewhat hazard-
fous experiment of leaving them out of their cells. The number of
guards upon the walls was increased, and a day and night watch
constantly kept upon the walls and the roofs of the buildings.
Many feared unpleasant consequences from this relaxation of dis
cipline, and predicted insubordination, mutiny and revolt, as the pri=
soners had almost unprohibited opportunity sse_with each
other, Feats like these, however, happily were not realized. The
prisoners generally, seemed penetrated with a deep sense of gratitale
in view of the forbearance with which they were treated, and the i-
terest which was manifested in their welfare and safety. They were
very efficient and useful; in many cases bold, unflinching and pers
inistering to the wants and relief of the sick.
Doring sixteen days and nights thisstate of things continued, whe
no key was tuned upon a prisoner, and yet the most perfect gam!
order and subordination prevailed among them all that time.
ee
No, 198.] 147
When the proper time came for resuming prison discipline, the
prisoners returned in porfect order (o their ells, and relapsed into
their ordinary prison habits withost resistance or complaint. I re
gard this act itself, as the best posible cominentary upon the mode
sdopted in this penitentiary forthe dseipline and government of ia
Since the, subsidence of the cholera, the most perfect good order
and subordination have prevailed in the prison, and less punishment
than formerly of any kind has been required. The survivors seem to
anpreciate the efforts which were made in theie behalf to secute them
from disease and death, and endeavor to show that appreciation,
extraordinary good condact. " ad
st, fepert of the moral condition of Ohio State prison has the
te kindness and sympathy evinced by the warden for their wel
ire, has had a much more favorable effect than could have resulted
fiom harsh or unkind treatment.
‘These unfortunate persons, though confined within the walls of a
prison, and degraded in the eyes of the world, yet are human be
who can be actuated by a spirit of kindness or revenge, as theit
lreatment may dictate. The kindness shown them during that try
ing time has had a very happy effect upon their eonduct.
5. REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS.
NENTS:
Massachusetts S. P.—The inspectors invite attention to the
Act ot the Legislature, passed at their last session, forbidding, in all
cases, the use of corporal punishment in the prison. In our opinion,
founded in some experience, the natural and sure tendency of such a
rare, i to lower the standard of disiplize among the convicts
eretofore maintained, and so essential to the good order and best
Interests of the prison SS
‘The convict in prison is now in fact officially informed, that what-
ever acts of disobedience he may commit during his imprisonment,
the severest punishment that can be inflicted upon him, is solitary
confinement in his cell:—That corporal punishment is ‘in all eases
forbidden, by an act of the Legislature.
us [Assexaur
‘Among the proofs of the injurious effects of this law upon the
government of the priton, as expesience proves, is the more Irequent
Gcearrence of acts of insubordination zmong the prisoners,
ppamsed than. befores and which, we think, in the absence of other
Tnown reasons for the change, is justly attributable to the existence
of the Jaw.
We would not now or ever, appear as advocates for the indie.
eriminate use of corporal punishment, nor ever in ordinary cases of
Gisobedience, but only in extreme cases, when all other modes of se
‘coring obedience shall fail: and even then, we would have it admin~
fstered in as limited an extent, and with as little severity as is con-
sistent with the end to be gained by it. The very knowledge of
the fact, that corporal punishment is occasionally inflicted on the
convict, and may be at any time, in the discretion of the proper off
Cer of the prison, has of itself, the effect to discourage and suppres:
acts of insubordination, while the aanouncement of the fact, that
uch punishment is wholly forbidden by law awakens and encoura-
f disobedience and misrule.
‘The wisest of men has placed the rod in the hand of the parent
and commanded the use of it, and warned him in words of inspi
tion, against the consequences of neglecting it. If, then, this mode
of punishment is nevlful in the family cirele, between parent and
child, in order to maintain obedience to parental authority, shall it
be forbidden by law in the public prison, the crowded dwelling place
fof hundreds of unprincipted, turbulent and refractory spirits, who ate
in the daily habit of violating the laws of the prison when they ean
do it unobserved, and when it is supposed by them that some per~
sonal advantage con be gained by it?
‘The present is no time to relax the discipline of the prison. Ox
the contrary, it is manifest that a more rigid, unwavering, and eff-
cient course of government is called for, and must be adopted, or the
interests of our institution must suffer. All its rules, regulations and
ordinances must be stricily and uniformly enforced; and the whole
Aetails of government so administered and carried out, that the prisoe
hall continue to be as it has heretofore been, a dread to evil does
But, in order to accomplish this important end every means necest-
Jy to be employed, which is lawful and humane, must be placed ut
reservedly in the hands of the proper officer of the prison, to be bf
him used, when, and in such manner, and to such extent as he shally
| under the circumstances of the case judge best; and if he abuses hit
ey
No, 198. M49
trust, remove him from his place. But if, on the conteary, be fai
ove at if contrary, he faith~
fully and judiviously discharges the duties confided to hit, let him be
finn and enecuraged, and is aro stengthened by every needed
For reasons which we do not now undertake to aig, convicts fa
considerable numbers, are returning to the prison, after comparae
tively short absencen changed with Fes violations of the laws aod
‘among thent are some of the most hardened and accomplished vete-
rans in crime that ever tenanted a prison, or infested a community,
These accessions of hardened offeniers, whose whole thoughts, plans
of operation and propensities, are turbulent and aggressive, together
with an increasing number who come to us for the first time, ad=
rmonish us of the necessity of visiting every offence, whether aggra-
vated or trivial, with certain and merited punishment. Nothing less
Sil be suet (3 alta nl reluey sendy sbsicme, the merges
and heavings, so to speak, of that restless and perverse mass of mind
with which we have to do. ‘
Punishment by solitary confinement in the cell, is not only far less
effectual in securing obedience aud deterring from cricse than is cor-
poral punishment, but is also, liable to other weighty obje
man thus shut up and secluded from the world, a living tenant, aa it
were, of the tomb, deprived of air and exercise, and of the light and
genial influence of the sun, so essential to his well being, can hardly
fail to suffer in health of body and mind, confinement be pro~
tracted for any considerable length of time.
There are many convicts in the prison, who prefer solit
: refer solitary pun-
iment (0 the ordinary discharge of thei dates, sn thelr several de-
partments of labor, and even for a protracted period of time.
doen remained io his ell forty-five days, and ante sixty ai
lays, during the six months next following the exclusion of corporal
punishment from the prisor "
Some, and perhaps many, may be tempted to. rebel
rules and regulations of the institution, for the sake of i
Penalty.
For the first six months of the past year, corposal punishment was
inflicted on nineteen convicts, and the whole number of SHIpes im-
Posed was eighty, being an average of a little less than four to each:
Sarg CP
a
&
AO Ptr A
150 {Asseamir
and thirty-four convicts were punished by solitary confinement, for
different periods, amounting in all, to one bundeed ahd thirty-seven
Gays. For the last six months, when solitary punishment alone was
administered, eighty-nine convicts were punished by solitary confine-
ment, the whole aggregate time being five hundred and forty-five
days. If, then, six months gives an aggregate of five hundred and
forty-five days of solitary punishment, which occasions the absence
of cooviets from labor the same length of time, twelve months would
give an aggregate of one thousand and ninety, being the whole numn-
Der of days, in three years, wanting five, and consequently equal to
the entire labor of a single convict for the same time. This, we
think, may be looked upon by the public, as rather a startling re-
sult, and one to be provided against if practicable, And it will be
remembered, that while the labor of the convicts is thus suspended,
‘and all income from their earnings ceases, they themselves are sup-
ported by the State, at a cost of no inconsiderable amount.
It is to be hoped that the interests of the State will not be con-
sidered paramount to the reformation of the convict.
By an Act of the last Legislature all corporal punishments in the
State prison were abolished, and a system of solitary confinement
‘enjoined, as the only punishment to be inflicted, In other prisons,
T believe, where corporal punishment is forbidden, ch
‘and cold water are resorted to, a8 well as solitary eonfinement.
ere the only punishment allowed, is solitary confinement, and con-
sequently, a larger numaber of solitary punishments are recorded, than
heretofore, under my administration.
Since the abolition of corporal punishment the prison has become
full to overflowing, and there are now here, more tad and desperate
men than I have ever known before;—men full of energy, and de-
termined to escape from confinement if possible.
“When it was first known to the convicts that corporal punishment
‘was abolished, a disposition for a short time, was evinced by some
of the worst men, to disorder and bravado, and several were obliged
to be subdued, by long and severe confinement. Yet, notwithstand-
ing, Ihave been able, by firmness, kininess, and patience, to pre-
serve a state of general good order, industry, and propriety among
the convicts. I have always felt a sincere desire to do them goo
and make them happy, and they in return, have always, with the
ay
No. 198.] 161
bya
note as We have
tht leas of solitary puishinent wil hereafter be needs Tene
aBhorrel the infliction of atipes, and never. infited them sethere
regret. It is a barbarity which I trust, advancing civilization wil
everywhere diseard, and [hope the government of this prison
never be compelled to resort to it again. ‘The moral power of our
example, if we succeed without the lash in goterning this great
vison, filled with the worst of men, will ell everywhere in tee of
hamanity, and will serve as an argument unanswerable, in favor of
the backs of our fellow citizens in the navy and army. For if mur
derers, incendiaries, ravishers, robbers, burglars and felois, ean bo
governed by hundreds together, in our prisons, without stripes, may
not our fathers, brothers and sons, while in the service of our country,
eel in contol without the ose of the lash? T know that comme
psishment does sometines operate powerflly in subng. ain
ractable and brutish disposition. The torture of the eat inf
upon the bare back, raising the skin and drawing “the Sioed cite
erery lash, is enough to subdue the stoutest will. Tt acts like one
af the heroie remedies in medicine, quick and powerful, and there,
fore the governors of prisons re constantly tempted to resort to it
more and more, unit all other punishments are lard aside as inefi
Gieat, and the lash resorted to alone, as the grout and vniversn! puna.
2a for the cere of all prison disorders. To this end dy alt Pings
‘exd in a prison where the lash is allowed, The conduct of cononie
it often such as to excite the angry feeling of the warden or the
aficers, and then, the first impulse is always lo blows, I have no
dowit, that more stripes. have been inflicted in prisons to gratify the
resentment of officers, than for all other causes put together. No
one but the warden of a prison can know bow many temptations
tre constantly presented for the use of the lash, ‘The conviet re,
eeives his punishment at once, and returns to his labor, his time is
sared, and the pecuniary interest of the prison is eshanced, ‘The
recentment of the officer against whiom the prisoner has offended, is
gratified, and the subordinate shows himself pleased with his supe
tior ;—but where the lash is allowed, no punishment short of itis
always satisfactory, and grumbling, and evil predictions are heard in
tle guard-room, ‘This power has been placed in my hands several
Jears, but I woull not enirst it in the hands of another, knowin
how sure is the growth of severity in a situation like thisy and how
rhuch there is here to harden the heart, and render it callous to hu-
tan suffering. I have always striven to resist these influences with
152 [Assemoey
all my power. For I believe there is no evil moi
the loss of affection for our kind. When T entered pan the dis.
charge of these duties, T prayed that God would enable me to
minister the gaverminent of the prison in accordance with the great
Taw of humanity, promotgated by the Saviour, to do by 0}
should wish to be dealt by if T were in their situation. And I have
always found, that the nearer I have been able to keep myself and
others up to the tree meaning of this Jaw, the more successfal has
been the government of the prison. T have often announced to the
convicts tey resolution to govern by this precept, and have frequently
ealled upon them, and not without success, to Tive and act in com
formity thereto. Yet an under current of opposition to this system
of government, hos always existed emong. a few of the officers, which
has afficted injuriously, the goveroment of the prison, and has rene
dered my success less olivious than it otherwise would have been.
Officers that are constantly predicting evil, are very naturally Ted to
hope it, and it is always easy by negligence, and the exhibition of
ill-temper among the convicts, to produce it. I have borne with
this opposition up to this time, in the hope that by constant acts of
friemship, I might at last win them over {o coiperate heartily with
ine, in the government of kindness which T have adopted. But th
attachment to “the old discipline” is so inveterate, that they een
see nothing but evil The ery that the disciplin
running down, was raised before I had been here a weck, and this
ery is sill repeated, and has lately echoed from the press in this
vicinity. Yet I think T can safely say, that all the concerns of the
prison have never been better than they have been during the last
six years. A degree of order, industry, good and kind feelings, have
existed among the convicts, perhaps unparalleled for so long a period
of time. But when T came here, after the death of my predecessor,
who was killed by one of the convicts, T immediately saw that 2
general feeling of hostility existed against the officers. ‘The convicts
were held in restraint only by fear. Anger and revenge were ¢e
picted upon theie countenances, and more murders were daily appre-
ended. Soon, however, all this asperity subsided, and Kindness,
cheerfulness, and pleasant looks became almost universal. And there
has since been no conspiracies, no outbreaks, no resistance of author
ity. No officer has been killed, assaulted, woundeil, or struck. The
convicts have been constantly counselled to repent of theie former
evil lives, to begin here a new life—a life of goodness, and cot
sequently of happiness —to form here habits of onder, neatness,
dustry and good manners, and to ensteavor to make themselves skilfil
and ready workinen in their several trades, (o enable them hereallet
in the new.
tks
No, 198.] 153
fo ear an honest Hivelibood for themselves and families:
believe that almost ll have ber
discipline, and a large
And I
one. greatly improved nde thi
ajvity continue tod well after theis terms
of iimprisonment “have expired. The health ofthe prison tus sha
beon unparalled uring. this tine. There have been but tesla
deaths for the last seven years, a mortality of less than eoe-helf of
one per cent. But during the seven, yeare tameliately prccedi,
there were thity-thee deaths, showhig a deerease of morality es
the lat sever years, of neatly three hunred. per eenty and Leah
of ind oF freedom from insanity, ns duting the same time, teee
Sql remattatie Sod 1 fs inthe tet at epee
Discipline Soviety, tables comparing the interests of the several State
wisons in this country, fiom which it appears tal. the eorelogs of
the convicts hete, are much larger than in citer of the other prone
In consequence of the repeat, by the last Legis
msquence by the last Legislature, of the law
auoriing the iafction of strips, tom. cern ostees if toca
testy in the State Prism, the Chaplain would expec bis veene
B they now exist, by submitting for conileation he sehjoned
extract from a communication wnaile some ten years since, in answer
te the question proposed by Rev. L. Dwight.
“ What do you think is the best system of punis i
atid ater system of punishment for misde-
The following is his reply, in part,
Many of the offences committed by
; ted by prisoners, are, comparativ
inltions of Jaw and order, the’ ffender may, with propriety, in
frst instance, be. reprimanded, and cautioned, and even Kindly
reasoned with; assuring him, however, that a repetition of the offence
Will assuredly be visited upon him with greater severity,
Offences of a more serious character, may, in most eases, i
ston repeated, be succefilypanished by seliary conten’
tech a length of time, and by such privations of food and baltic
f the nature and aggravation of the offence may demoed ae
temper an sprit of the offender may render mecesary te creer te
secure obedience in future, Mee
‘The next question which seems, naturally to present itself fo: cane
‘iteration is this whether stripes, or the fufiction of corporal
154 | Assexacy
punishinent, can, with propriety, ever be resorted to, in. the govern-
ment of a well regulated Prison.
‘That the affairs of a prison may be condceted without a resort to
stripes, I have no doubt; but, after careful observation, and much and
deliberate consideration in regard to this delicate and much agitated
subject, Lam clearly of opinion, that, in some cases, stripes may be
resorted to, with a more ready effect, and a far happier result, both
to the individual punished, and to the institution, than can be secured
from solitude, with customary privations. But where stripes are
authorized, a5 a part of the system of discipline, adopted in any
Prison, the number of stripes and the circumstances of their infliction,
should be carefully regulated, and should be watched with a vigilant
eye by the legally constituted board of supervision, attached to such
Institution. I feel confident tbat this mode of punishment, in the
case of certain individuals, will, in a very short time, effect that
which days and weeks of solitude and starvation, and even chains,
eannot accomplish; and this too, without endangering the health of
the sufferer, as is often done by solitude with its usual privations.
But I would say distinelly that I would never resort to stripes,
where there is a rational prospect of a favorable result to the insti-
tation and the offender, by the adoption of a milder and less painful
course. Still, I would never recommend it to any State by legal
‘enactments, £0 cut itself off from the power, should occasion call for
it, to enforce otedience by thefiniliction of corporal chastisement.
But whatever may be the mode of punishment,—whether by solitude,
with its customary privations, or by the infliction of stripes, a recor!
should be kept of every case of punishment, setting forth its nature
and extent, together with the offence for which it was inflicted;
hich record should be open to the proper authorities, whenever they
see fit to examine them.
By a police regulation of this institution, which is never infringed,
xno more than fen stripes can be inflicted on an offender at any one
times nor an additional number at any other time, for the same offence.
out the advice and consent of the inspectors. By a further
regulation, no subordinate officer, who has charge of the convicis at
their labor, is permitted in any case, to strike a convict, except it be
in self defence. All violations of the rules and orders of the prison
are required to be reported to the warden or deputy warden; and soch
measures are thereupon adopted, as the nature and circumstances of
a
No. 198.| 155
the violation of the case may seem to require.
nel This should always
Jn case it is decided, after a full and patient hearing of the
shat stripe shall he ainistered the warden, tne bg staceg he
deputy warden, determines the number of stipen, and. desgnvtes
some officer present to inflict the same, which is always done in bis
presence; adopting it as an invariable role, never to designate the
oficer who reports the ofender, as the person to inflict the punishe
nents thus securing the offender fom the influence of any grudge or
ilwill which such officer might, possibly, harbor against hime’ As
am llostration ofthe efficacy and favorable results of punishment by
stipes, in particular cases, Twill refer to a single instance. ‘The
Si stdegetbea pears eee tere Te
1827, about one year before I becaine connected with the iestitaron
The term of his sentence was seven years. He was a strong. bul
athletic man, and, apparently, in fing health. He hnd not been ove 4
the prison, before he began to manifest symptoms of insanity, “Hie
refused to labor; appeared to. have lost very much of his. intellects
hecame excessively silly, and, parrotlike, would repeat to himself ig
alow tone, certain words orsentences, as he wandered about, or when
aliressed by any person. By some, he was thought to be insan
and by others, to be an imposter. Various methods, and. some of wo
tual severity, were tried to ascertain whether he was actualy near
«r not;—but all to no purpuse. He continued to persevere. fn the
fume course, notwithstanding all the experiments tried upon hin an
he sulferings he endardy for aterm of abou tree geese, If sat
feed to go about the yard, ox to be in the hospital, where. he could
¥e comfortable and well fed, he would be very quiet and contented;
tat, if confined in ceil, or made to suffer any priv s
aoisy and very troublesome.
He would be into oe
athe clothing from his body, and. rend. the articles of be teat
into strings, even in the severest weather in mid winter, Varin
Nysnians saw imo at diferent times, and exatsined bits wale ae
General, though there were exceptions, were of the oped thee he
Ys insane. But ther were those about the fasion, who always
ube the reality of his ‘isanitys but after all that had been
Crition, but Hite hope was entertained that any measey, ae
Bight be pursued, would prove successful in bringing him beck to
Mas duty, Still,’ vigilant eye was kept upon” bis movementey
tol as he was,doring the latter pnt of the ‘ine, while he contioued
‘this situation, kept in the borpal, to prevent bis being noly, and
156 [Asrenmis
1 Persons were there em voyed to watch his
disturbing the instituti
ine to time, to repor: any discoveries they
movements, and from
might rake.
After a while, such unequivocal marks of deception were dis
ered and made known, as satisfied the deputy war len, now the war
den of the prison, who had kept a vigilant eye upon him, that he
‘was an imposter. His discoveries be made known to the wardea,
and proposed a course which, if no objection was made, he was de-
sirous of pursuing. The warden gave his consent. Acconiagly,
he was taken to the hospital the next morning and placed in a cell
in the new prison, with the assurance that if he made any noise or
disturbance of any Kind during the day, he should receive, at night,
ten stripes; and in case he did not then sbmit, but continued to
make trouble, he should receive the same punishment the next moxn-
ing; and, furthermore, that, as all doubt which had attended his
case was now dissipated, and he was known to be an imposter, this
course would be pursued with him, night and morning, until he
Would return to duty, But he was informed that if he would con
fess the imposition, he should be forgiven, notwithstanding all that
had passed, and the amount of trouble that he had made. He com
tinued, howerer, to put on the same airs, and during the day wa
noisy in Ifs cell. At night he was taken out and the ten striper
inflicted, as he had been assured they would be, and he was reminded
of the admonition he had received in the morning. The next morn-
1g eame, and brought with it a report that the night had been ss
the preceding day. He was again brought oot, and preparation
made for his punishmen', when he was again exhorted to relurn {9
uty, and told, if he did’ this, the past shovld be forgiven. There
‘were no visible signs of his relenting; and the man who was order
ed to inflict the stripes was about to proceed, when he could bold
out no longer, and declared bis willingness to submit, and return fo
duly. He was accordingly spared, and shortly after sent to the
‘work shop, to Inbor with others, and ever after this,—a term of
bout three years—continved to’ labor faithfully and. industriouly
until his discharge from prison.
‘A few days after his submission, he voluntarily made a full and
frank confession of the whole transaction; stating the reasons why
be attempted the imposition; what sufferings he had endured in e2
ig it on; and the motives which operated in leading him to hold
out, as he had, so long and 0 obstinately. It seems that his orig-
final object was (o procure a pardon from the government, persualh
No. 198.) 487
ing himself, that pity for his condition, adled to the trouble he should
cause the institution, would insure such a result.
In view of the foregoing facts, ean any person feel that the course
ponued with this individual was either unwise or unkind? Other
instances might be cited, were it necessary, in confirmation of the
fame positions but I have already, I fear, said too much,
Ia regard to'those who reprobate the infliction of stripes tn an
cue, T have no doubt oftheir perfect sincerity and honesty. But long
experience and observation have sat
ness of the ground I have taken. I would fain hope that I ean and
do feel as keenly and as tenderly for the woes and sufferings of the
poor prisoner, a8 otherss and although I may be subjected to the i
yutation of being “behind the spirit of the age,” I am content to
tear it, until I can be convinced that the sentiments I have advoca-
ted on this subject, are not in accordance with truth,
‘More than ten years have elapsed since the foregoing remarks were
penned); aod during that period, I have seen nothing to shake my
Confidence in their correetness. On the other hand, the course of
ents, a3 they have transpired in the prison, the past year, since the
repeal of the Inw before referred to, has served to deepen my con
8 of their truth, and to satisfy me, beyond a doubt, of the im
policy of such repeal. And let it be premised,—that probably nine-
tenths of all the inmates of the prison, never require more than the
‘inary restraints or punishments in the maintenance of salutary
4iscipline, but there are a fevw,—and these few, enough to create and
perpetunte almost infinite mischief and trouble, unless asved and kept
in cheek by the hand of auth
__ The power of enforeing obedience, by corporal punishment, hav-
ig ben prohibited by lathe only aleuatie inthe most des
Perate cases, has been, and is, solitary confinement, accompanied bj
Sih prvatione of food and ether comforts ae the warden may direct
This being known to be the dernier resort, the few, to whom refer
‘nce has been made, soon began to show their colors,—and in de
snee tonait them tothe mast. When for aggravated offences, they
ed to their solitary cell, numbers have not scrupled
to use the most insulting and blasphemous language to the officers,
‘daring them to do their worst, and boasting that they could stand it
gat 3 Jong as the goverament of the prison. Sometimes, four of
fre have been thas confined, iguous cells, situated on the front
Core fin went cogn
Ue
le
158 [ Ascemiy
yard of the old prison,—where, for weeks together, they have maie
Yay and night hideous by their blasphemy, profane and obscene
songs, and language of defiance; encousaging ench other to hol out,
and pledging themselves to die, rather than to yield ;—if ordered
by an officer to keep silence, they have laughed him to seom,
aware that the law would permit the prison authorities to do no mcre
than had been done already. All this might, from day to day, be
heard by visiters, who came into the yard,—and by the childrea,
le and female, of the officers of the prison, who reside on the
yn grounds. If placed on the ether sie of the prison, they
would be contiguous to the yard, where the workshops are situated,
and be a constant annoyance to their fellow prisoners, while in the
yard at their Tabor. Some of these men, thus confined, being
‘strengthened and encouraged by each other, have held ont three,
four, fire, and even up to nine weeks; and when finally released,
manifested very litle of that disposition and temper which it is the
design of punishment to produce, And besides, when released, theie
Bodies are necessarily debilitated, and for some time, unfitted for ae-
tive duty; and, not unfiequently, they have to be taken to the hospi=
tal to recruit, Nor is this all. During the past season, in eon
sequence of this state of things, hundreds of dollars must have been
lost to the institution from the loss of time and labor of those thos
confined. Until this experiment, very little time and Inbor have
been lost, from the reason and besides, had the ind
viduals thus suajected to solitary punishment, been aware that the
government of the prison were authorized, by lass, to inflict stripes
as formerly, very little or nothing of the daring iznpudence, the blas
the disturbance and noise, would have buen witnessed. The
conseqnences would have proved an effectaal check, and the
scenes, which for months have been enacted, would have been avoided,
Bot it is argued, that punishment, by stripes, is barbarous and
cruel, and for this reason, ought not to be suffered. Could those whe
feel and reason thus, but have a full view of the sufferings, bot
bodily and mental, of those who suffer solitary confinement in its of
ten and necessarily protracted forms, they woul cease to tall: of the
arbarity and eruelty of stripes, when administered, as they bare
heretofore been, in accordance with the laws and rules of this inst
jon, for twenty years past. This latter punishment rarely fails 0
subilue the offender at once, and he then returns to his labor, —with-
out essential bodily injury or loss of health; and, without the loss of
fan hour, continues his earnings for the musercr of Tus Stare aod
of the institution,
1649
No. 198.| 159
‘Too mush sympathy may be felt for abandoned flons,—-while the
circumstances and trials, and feelings of those who have them in
charge, may be disegarded, We feel that no wan ought to te
alneed at the head of public prisoy like ours, without osing he
insted with sufcient authority to. enable him to tnltain one
dignity of character, an tosceure prompt obedience tothe lee cat
refulatios of the iostiution
The keeper of the Georgia State Prison gives his views thus:
Thave ever regarded with abhorrence the infliction of corporal pun-
fshment upon convicts, unless in extreme cases; such may arise, and
docbtless will, then a resort to this harsh measure would be justifiae
lle, but asa general rule, in my opinion, it may be dispensed with,
Cruelty is unbecoming the chiistian character, and is calculated to
gentler a desire of retaliation in the convict’s bosom, to impress
won him the conviction that to society he is irretrievably lost, and
‘at the world has become his enemy. The result is natural: self.
ssteem abandons hia; he is lost to hope; his hand by way of ree
venge is against every man; a misanthrope cast out forever, he feels
that he is driven beyond the pale of reformation and redemption,
Aly observation goes conclusively to prove, that the best and perhaps,
the only suceessiul way to reach and correct a corrupt and vitiated
heart, and reform its evil propensities, is by kind, humane, and af-
fectiouate treatment.
The Warden of Indiana S. P. says, only one man has required
pmishment since the 12th of October last. Most of the punishments
inficted since the 18th of June last, (the commencement of my term
Sf office,) were imposed during the first two months of that period.
The usval punishment has been by stripes, that has been the mode
beretofore adopted in this prison.
The Warden of the Connecticut State Prison says, since I havehad
‘he charge of the institution,
thorough discipline,
inter
by
E have endeavored to maintain a
such as I have deemed compatible with the true
and welfare of the prison and of communily. In some simi
" ions a more lax system of discipline has been adopted, and
ie results of the two systems I am willing to leave to those who
have observed their workings.
While the reform:
E ion of the offender is the object most to be de-
tired and sought for
in the imprisonment of those found guilty of
160 [Assraucy
crime, and while community sso, for her protection, demands that
the criminal should not be at large to depredlate at his pleasures stil
another object is ant to he lost sight of, viz-: the punishment of the
felon—for it is this with the ceitainty that it shall follow acts of
crime that will alone deter the murderer, the burglar o the thief frow
gratifying his passions or his cupidlity. It must be known that cer-
tain punishment will follow transgression, else there is no terror to
the exil doer.
‘Those who entertain the opinion that the greater proportion of
those committed to prison may be reformed through the influence of
Kind treatment and moral suasion slone-—and thus by their impris-
onment be prepared to occupy places of trust and responsibility io
society, are perhaps not familiar with the history of many who have
been thus treated, and who have given pleasing evidence on leaving
the prison of a full and fixed determination to lead a moral life—bot
alas! in the hour of temptation have fallen and returned to crime,
To one who has a personal acquaintance with the character, and
history of its inmates, a prison presents rather a forbidding field for
moral improvement; nevertheless, the duty is as imperative, to those
in charge, to make use of every means in their power, to instil ino
their minds the geeat principles of
8 permanent reformation should be visible but in comparatively few
instances.
Exery successful prison Keeper, will be careful to practice all the
Jenity, and bestow every favor to which the prisoner is entitled; ba
if he be obstinate and disobedient, as will be the case more or lessit
cesery prison, sich punishment, should in my judgment, then be in
Bicted, as is best aapted to the character of the offer, and whisk
tnost effectually secure obedience to the rules of the prison, with
out endangering his health, or depress : 1
fully believe that a strict discipline well seaintained, prevents the ot
cesity of frequent punishments is better for the prisoners, and sa
for the keepers.
There has been less frequent violation of the rules adopted for tt
government of the convicis, and consequently less occasion for pu
ishment the past year, than in any former one since I have been it
charge. During one imonth’s absence of the deputy warden, te
Ieay
No, 198.) 161
two cases were reported to me for misconduct, and both of those for
“looking about,” conduct not prohibited in most of the prisons in
this country.
The Inspectors of the Maine State Prison discourse th
will be seen by the list of punishments annexed, that solitary con-
fnement has been principally depented upon davog the eee con,
src onder apd mista te apne othe pay bk hax ca
found necessary, in a few instances, to resort to the more degrading
raishnest ef ies, an the chain an i Hower chs
resort to these means to prewerve ander may be sogretl, the mopees
tos ae forced to acknowledge that in the manresment of ermine
personal chasisement of some kind lho only teleneesetle ra
preservation of order Ly its mubjects, but thas the telenees ores
‘an example upon the wilful and refractory is often salutary and effi-
a3 ry is often salutary and eff
It is undoubtedly true, that the great “ law of Kindness” should be
the governing principle in our intercourse with the world, but more
Tanculrly 80 white watching over and directing th actions of those
Yietims of viee who are shut out fom the wotld as a punishment f
her erimes. While in our intercourse with the eat it shou
ever be remembered that however different our situation, we are still
twembers of the same great family, and treat them with kindness;
yet we should not be so far under the influence of a “ morbid sym-
true situation; convince him of the impor
: ‘examination, and reformation; persuade him
to submit to the rules of discipline, and during the time of his cone
fnwment to commence the practice of industry and application, that,
continued after his discharge, will be sure to establish for him @ good
character, and render him a useful and respected citizen, *
tance of a thorough se!
It is said that severe coercive measures compel, but seldom reform,
This is undouttellytruc—end most convicts have the ante teh ings
and susceptibilities as other men, and can readily be operated upon
and influenced by the same motives—and these facts should never be
lost sight of in their treatment.
[Assembly, No, 198,] nn
162 [sry
While most of those who have been confined in prison, having
satisfied themselves that the way of the transgressor is hard, have
abandoned their former course of crime upon their return into society,
have formed new associates and applied themselves to some useful
employment, yet the statistics of every prison show frequent recom-
mitments of those who, not having commenced a course of reform
while in prison, are again soon arrested in their acts of violence and
gui
‘When the character of this latter class is taken into consideration
when it is remembered that with many of them the principles of
Kindness and morality were never cultivated in their youths that their
whole life till the time of their confinement had been spent under the
‘complete influence of passion, it will readily be seen that their im-
prisonment only tends to sour them towards the whole world, but
more particularly towards those who are directly the means
ing them in confinement. While such is the case, can
moment, be supposed that prison discipline can be maintained without
oceasionally resorting to severe punishment of some kind. Observa-
tion plainly shows that there are some in every prison, who can only
be properly subdued by physical sufferings some who cannot be re
Formed but must be compelled.
‘The Inspectors of the New York State Prisons, in their annual
report for 1849, testify as follows, viz:
The experience of auother year has demonstrated the superi
of the mild and humane system of discipline prescribed by the prisoa
law of this state, over that which places the eat in the hands of the
keeper, and thrives upon corporeal punishment. It is believed the
discipline of our prisons was never more satisfactory than during the
last year. Symptoms of restlessness, it is true, have appeared, grow
ing ‘out of a subject already mentioned, but so far the cause has not
existed to a sufficient extent to interrupt seriously the condition of
the discipline. The prophecies of insubordination and disaster, and
consequent depreciation of the vulue of convict labor, indulged by
those long habituated to the use of the whip for the purpose of en-
forcing obedience and industry, if that time hallowed practice should
be abandoned, have not been realized, A reduced number of put-
ishments, a more faithful industry, an increased price for prison labor,
and a better discipline, have followed the change.
Forsubsuing the obstinate and refractory, in eases where admonition
hhas proved ineffectual, the principal reliance has been upon solitary com
163
finement and the shower bath. It is proper to state, that the form of the
administration of the latter punishment at Auburn prison, to which the
attention of the inspector was called, in the report of the physician
last year, has been modified agreeably to his suggestion, so as to apply
it in the form of a shower instead of a “douche.”
ment which does not induce hot blood,
calmness and deliberation
of the culprit while he punishes.
cbullition of passion, and it does not awaken in the convict the thirst
for vengeance which is induced by the application of blows to the
person. “If properly administered, in the form of a shower-bath fol-
lowed by rubbing the person dry, and proper exercise, it is believed
to be perfectly innocent of deleterious consequences. ‘That the present
apse is not less eflectual than the old one in the muintenance of
sound principle, is proved by the actual and very great diminution o
the fia numberof punshnents since. tw aopton, coupare ite
any previous period. Less frequent punishment, accompanied wi
lss efficient discipline, is no small commendation of human
aver the barbarous system, eatin nm
The warden of Maryland State Prison remarks:
Daring the year which has just closed, the conduc! ison
hus been distinguished generally, by a epirt of subeclnntion oma
they have pursued their labors with industry, zeal, and faithfulness.
This state of affairs has been the source of much pleasing: consolas
Yion to me, as it has verified the opinion which I had long for
aud fondly cherished, that men may be better governed by‘ aides
than by severity—that itis etter to elevate and’ warm the affections
of the human heart into action, by acts of kindness, than to arowse
‘he malign passions by treatment of a contrary chgracter. It
there be seen that the number of stripes in 1843, upon 200 prisoners,“
amounted to 9,629; that my immediate predecessor, who commenced
the reformation of this form of punishment, reduced the number tn
1846, on the same mimber of prisoners, to 2482, and that the past
Yat, with 229 prisoners, I preserved the discipline of the house end
Carried on its labors with the infliction of but 600 stripes,
The warden of the New Jersey State Prison writes as follows
Care is taken to impress upon each and every individual, on ree
ception, the importance of correct deportiment to his own comfort
ad happiness while here. He is urged to a ready compliance with
164 [Assexnur
1 regulations and requirements of the house, and is assured that
eer i ant indigent we nerig, bot aise
haviour will meet with prompt rebuke or punishment. Prisoners
soon learn the truthfulness of these admonitions, and very few ever
‘offend, the great mass oF them leaving the house without ever having
received pusishinent or reproof. Less punishment is inflicted for
‘reach of discipline in this, than perhaps any other prison of equal
extent.
New-Jersey, 8. P-s 1849—Warden’s Report—No other mode of
punishment is practised, than confinement in a darkened cell, on
read and water, with the addition of irons in more aggravated
cases.
Western Penitentiary, 1849—Warden’s Report-—During no period
in the history of my connexion with this prison has the conduct of
the prisoners been more uniformly good than throughout the past
year.
Michigan, 8, P., 1849—Inspector’s Report-—The prisoner being
capable of comprehending the force of reason and moral suasion,
appeals are made to his judgment rather than to his fears and animal
passions. These, and their kindred mild measures, such as occasional
solitary confinement, &c., (giving the culprit time to reflect upon hit
onduct,) have been found amply sufficient in nearly all eases to bring
the offender to repentance and a strict observance of the rules of
pline.
and still does, to come extent
I perceptions are so &
‘We are aware that the opinion hat
prevail, that there are some men whose moral pere
firely blunted as to render them wholly insensible to the law of
Keindaess, and accessible only through the medium of their animal
fears. It inay, perhaps, well be questioned, whether this opinion &
‘not founded in an ignorance of the motives which operate upon the
minds of such men.
[At all events, itis to be hoped that the time is cowing, and is wt
far distant, when the treatment heretofore and even now, to some
extent, adininistered to men in prison, and especially corporeal put
th they are often doomed to receive, will be looked upou
as unchristian and denounced as a relic of barbarism, Perhaps the
wonder is that a practice so inhuinan and reprehensible in all, of
nearly all cases should have been so long tolerated in this ealight
1e4y
No. 198.] 165
ened country. It should be remembered by all who are entrusted
with the prerogative of administering punishment, that the convict
in prison is sentenced by the law to expiate his crime by confine-
ent and hard Inbor, and that every degree of punishment beyond
what is necessary for the due execution of this sentence and the
attainment of the best ends to be answered by it is excessive and
teyond the sentence and intention of the law.
Warden's Report—Attention to the wants of the men, occasional
close confinement, with a full conviction on the part of convicts that
obedience would be enforced, have superceded almost entirely the
se of the lash, and men have labored with cheerfulness and with
the ambition of freemen.
The experience of the last eight wonths has but confirmed me ia
the opinion that corporeal punishment by whipping ought not to be
abolished in prisons ; that the right s0 to punish being’ fully under=
stood by convicts, in nearly all instances supercedes the nevesity of
this class of punishments. I apprehend. there are some who cannot
te controlled by kindness, humanity, or any kind of moral influences.
Such men must be punished by some kind of coxporeal punishments
The animal controls the intellectual inan, and brate force alone can
‘aforce obedience
Indiana 8. P., 1849—Warden’s Report—The whole number of
stipes inflicted during the fast five and a half months, as been
[270] to hurr and seventy stipes ; the number of eonviets pun
ited in this manner in that period, is thirty-one.
Mlinois 8, P., 1A9—Warden's Report—The offences punished
tuler may directions, were preparations and attempts to escape and
to break through the prison wall, disobedience of onders, insolence
i the guards or keepers, and for talking with each other unneces-
sarily
Maine, 1847.—May 25th, refusing to work and insolence, 6
‘hys solitary; Bist, talking and insolence,2 days sol.; June 4th,
insolence and wilful damage to work, 6 days sol.; 9th, insolence, 8
cays sol.; July 4th, insolence and disobedience, 6 days sol.; 12th,
communicating with other conviets, 3 days sol.s 12th, noise in
cel, 8 days sol. 14th, fighting, 6 days sol.; 14th, fighting, 3 days
‘ol; 17th, insolence, 3 days sol.; 234, insolence, 2 days sol ; Aug.
24, quarrelling with cook, 10 days sol.; 2d, fighting, 1 days sol.;
166 [Assexmny
24, fighting, 4 days sol.; 3d, talking and idleness, 8 days sol.; 11th,
talking, 3 days sol.; 11th, talking, 3 days sol.; 13th, insolence and
Doisterous and abusive language, 4 days sol. and'I1 stripes; 13th,
talking and laughing, 1 days sol.; 20th, talking, 9 days sol; 22d,
insolence and disobedience, 2 days sol.; Sept. 24, stealing shoes, 9
days sol., 3d, talking, 2 days sol.; 5th, noise in chapel, 2 for 2 days
sol.s 18th, insolence, 7 days sol.; 18th, making signs to convicts, 4
days sol.; 23d, talking, 3 days sol.; 28d, disobedience and inso-
lerice, 17 days sol.; 28th, assault on Mr. Carlton, 22 stripes and
chain and clog; Oct. 7th, fighting, 3 days sol.; 24th, disturbance in
chapel, 3 days sol.; 26th, noise in cell, 2 days sol. Nov. 7th, wri=
ting to conviets, 3 days sols 8th, 2 for talking and insolence, 2 days
sol. each; 9th, talking, 2 days sol.; 12th, asking teamster for tobacco,
23d, talking, 3 days sol.; 26th, insolence and noise in
cell, 4 days sol.; 27th, writing to conviet, 2 for 2 days sol. each;
Dec. 12th, insolence and noise, 3 days sol.; 12th, 2 disturbing divine
service, 2 Jays sol. each; 19th 2 disturbing divine service, 2 days
sol. each; 28th, talking, I day sol.; 28th, talking, 1 day sol.; 29th,
insolence and profanity, 3 days sol.
3 days sol.;
Maine, 1848.—Jan. 24, insolence, 1 day solitary; 4th, talking and
idleness, 2,1 day sol. each; 9th, noise in cell, 1 day sol.; 18th,
stabbing four prisoners, 24 stripes and chain and clog; 18th, spoiling
work, 2 days col. 2lst, writing to convicts, 2 days sol.; Feb. 5th,
talking, 3 days sol.; Sth, writing and insolence, 6 days sol.; 6th”
noise and riotous conduct in cell, 6 days sol.; 7th, insolence and pro-
fanity, 2 days sol.; 10th, disobeying orders, 2 days sol.; 14th, talke
ing, 2 days sol. 15th, writing to conviets, 8 days sol.; 18th, inso-
lence, 1 day sol.; 24th, having tobacco, 1 day sol.; March 15th,
assault on deputy warden, being partially insane, solitary; 17th,
talking and making signs, 2 days sol.; 31st, insolence, 2 days sol;
April 14th, insolence, 2 days sol.; 21st, insolence, 3 days sol.; 24th,
‘wilfully spoiling his work, 4 days sol. 25th, talking, 1 day sol.
Aubw'n, 1849.—December, shower bath, 4; yoke, 6; solitary cou-
finewent, 13. January, shower bath, 7; solitary, 2. February,
shower bath, 17; solitary, 5. March, shower bath, 17; solitary 7.
April, shower bath, 20; yoke, 2, May, shower bath, 13; yoke, 25
solitary, 7. June, shower bath, 20; yoke, 2. July, shower bathy
18; yoke, 1; solitary, 11. August, shower bath, 27; yoke, 3; soli
4d
No, 198.] 167
tary,5. September, shower bath, 15; yoke, 10; solitary, 5. Octo-
ber, shower bath, 19; yoke, 5; solitary, 11. November, shower
tat, 155 yoke, 2; solitary, 21. Total 296,
Sing Sing.—Showered, 169; dark cell without food, 83; dark cell
with bread and water, 29; showered and hair cut as short as possible,
M5 dark cell and head shaved, 3. ‘Total 298.
Clinton. —Shower bath, 78; reprimand, 8; solitary confinement in
shackles, 15 solitary on bread and water, 79, stocks, 15 deprived of
one weal, 15 shaved head, 1; ball and chain, 2; iron yoke, 1; show-
erbath and solitary, 1. Total 168,
Massachusetis,—First six months, 19 punishments, amounting to
80 stripes; 30 punishments, 137 days solitary; second six months,'89
punishments, 545 days solitary."
Meine, 1848.—May 30th, talking and laughing, 2 days solitary;
ith, disobedience and talking, 8 days solitary; June 11th, talking,
2dayssol.; 11th, talking, 2 days sol.; 29th, insolence, &e.; 3 days
1; 29th, Insolence, Ke.,5 days sol.; 30th, insolence, 7 days sol.;
July 14th, insolence, 6 days sol.; 19th, writing and idleness, 5 days
sols Aug. 23, writing and having tobacco, 3 days sol.; 28th, writing
ja clandestine manner, 6 days sol; Sept. 7, noise in cell, days sol
2s, resisting orders of overseer, 11 days s0l.; 234, insolence, 2 days
th, insolence, 12 days sol.; Oct. 4th, singing, 3 days sol.; 16th,
nose in eell,2 days sol.; 17th, stealing hard bread, daysso. 18ths
inolence, 8 days sel; B4st, noise and insolence, 8 days sol.,°Nov.
4, disorderly conduct, 4 days sol.; De 2 days
5 5th, writing to convicts, 2 days sol.; 5th, talking and insolence,
days sol.; Sth, disobedience, 1 day sol.; Sth, writing to conviets,
T days sol; wearing and threatening, 4 days sol.; 19th, talk=
ing, 2 days sol.; 27th, insolence, 4 days sol.
4th, noise in cel
Maine, 1849.—Jan. 1st, negligence and insolence, 2 days solitarys
1th, resisting and assaulting deputy warden with a club, 1 day sol.,
‘nd chain and clog; Feb. 18th, writing and refusing to give it up, 1
shy cols 24st, talking, 1
day sol.; 2st, talking, 1 day sol.;
‘king, 3 day sol;
March 16th, insolence, 4 days sol.;
24th,
2st, disobe-
"The tat six months corporal punishment was abotished in ¢his prison.
168 [Assemacy
dience and insolence, &e., 8 days sol. 26th, attempting to sell his
clothes, 1 day sol.; April 18th, disrespectful language, 2 days sol.;
26th, disobedience and insolence, 8 days sols
Winots, 1848.—Showing the number of stripes, for abusing st
perintendent and profanity, 18; attempting to escape, 15; insolence
and resistance to guard, 25; mutiny, attempting to escape and as.
saulting the guard, by fifteen convicts at once, 45 each; insolence
and disobedience, 8; do. 95 do. 8; fighting, two cases, each 105 at
tempting to escape, 155 insolence and disobedience, 10; do. 5; fight-
ing, 15; insolence, 10; destroying property, 10; fighting, two cases,
W each.
RARDONES
Bhode Island 8. P., 1849—Inspectors? Report.—T wo of the con-
viets in the State Prison, Nos. 84 and 85, are laboring under disea-
ses, from which, by the subjoined note of Dr. Arnold, it would seem
that their recovery is extremely doubtful if retained in prison. They
would therefore Suggest and recommend, that said Nos. 84 and 89
be immediately discharged
New-York 8. Po—Inspectors? Report, 1849.—The proportion of
pardons to the average number of convicts the last year, has been, at
‘Sing Sing, 1 to 58; at Auburn, 1 to 44; at Clinton, 1 to 39.
The previous year, the proportion was, at Sing Sing, 1 to 155 at
Auburn, 1 to 8; at Clinton, 1 to 10,
In 1848, the proportion of pardons in the Maine State Prison, was
1 in 34; in New Hampshire, 1 in 29; in Vermont, 1 in; in Mas
sachusetts, 1 in 10; in Connecticut, 1 in 21; in New Jersey, 1 in
13; in new penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pa., 1 in 225 in Ohio, 1 in.
The Inspectors are aware that much prejudice has existed in the
public mind against a prodigal exercise of the pardoning power; and
that the interposition and activity of friends, and the interested exer-
tions of feed advocates, have sometimes been successful in procuring
pardons for those who were not the most deserving, leaving uncared for
those more ineritorious, who could not command these powerful iar
fluences. Cases, however, in the opinion of the Inspectors are fre
Hy
Wo. 198 169
quently arising,
in which the exercise of executive clemency is not
only justfiabl °
but highly important,
The hope of release, to which the mind of the convict under @
protracted sentence instinctively clings, forms powerful inducement
to correct deportment and faithful labor. An occasional pardon
from among the raost meritorious becoming known, keeps alive hope,
and stimulates to renewed effor's to deserve and receive approbation,
Deaden this cherished expectation, by the infrequeney or total denial
of pardons, and the couvict concludes that nothing is to be gained
by good conduct and industrious and faithtal application to his em-
ployment. The idea passes from one to another, and becomes the
common sentiment of the mass, that efforts to deserve and secure
approbation are useless, if the reftactory and the idle fare as well a
the obedient and the industrious. The minds of the convicts become
proportionally soured, aud petulant, and intractable: they are
sesble (0 the infuence of kinily treatment, ore feqnety oad
against prison rules, and render necessary 'a more rigid resort to
Punishment in the enforcement of good discipline.
Auburn, Chaplain's Report—Eecutive Clemency—While the
too free and indiscriminate exercise of this
power is greatly to by
deprecated, its entire suspension, : Once acai
under existing circumstances, would
be scarcely less detrimental to the interests of the State and of so-
ciety.
One very natural consequence of the rigid refusal of pardons is
‘manifested in more frequent conspiracies and desperate
seeape—atlempts which would not be thought of
expectation of favor.
attempts to
if the hope of pare
iduged, because detection would be sure to destroy the
The temper of mind, too, induced by an apparent determination
to exact, in all cases, the fall measure of the law
favorable to the reception of moral and religious truth. Th
Seacher cannot reath the heart hich is brooding ever fasted or
real wrongs, and indulging sentiments or purposes of revenge. Kind
ness, humanity, mercy, are the qualities which open the hearts of
men to such instructions, and secure their consideration. If the
Public authorities be looked upon as friends, they may do much to
teform the erring prisoner, which they cannot accomplish if regarded
‘8 enemies, or as rigid and exacting task masters,
tion, is wn-
170 [Assrmauy
Chaplain’s Report, Auburn, 1849.—The mental and physical con-
stitution of tany of the prisoners is already greatly impaired, and
early all are more or lest injured by protracted confinement. Seve-
Tal have large and dependent families for whose sustenance they will
be entirely disqualified to labor should their incareeration be greatly
prolonged. As many of these unfortunate men have no ftiends sho
ree in circumstances to bring their case fairly before the executive,
jt is believed their condition presents strong claims to your attention,
‘and that a recommendation from your Hon, Board should, and gene-
tally would be deemed by his Excellency a sufficient ground for their
liberation.
Physician’s Report, Auburn, 1849.—Compared with previous
years a very small number of convicts have been discharged from
the prison during the last year, by pardon. The hope of pardon
fand release is a powerful motive with the convict for correct deport-
neat and meritorious conduct; and the occasional though
luce of the pardoning power, in the most meritorious eases, operates
asa valuable auxiliary in the maintenance of good discipline. A
foo restricted application of this attribute of mercy, is perhaps about
fas touch to be deprecated as its too lavish and indiscriminate ex-
ercise.
‘Mew Jersey S. P., 1819—Moral Instructor's Report—A taj
of our convicts enter the prison with decided expectations of a spee-
dy pardon. | We find them thoroughly instructed in the mature, con-
Stitution, and prerogatives of the pardoning power; and they all
Know the week, perhaps imagine the very day and hour, when the
dispensers of pardons are expected to convene. With such expecta
tions, the prisoner is constantly exercised with a feverish anxiety
that is almost sure to end in an agony of disappointment. The just
punishment inlicted by the lavr is thos followed up by a refined era-
Elty, inflicted throwgh the misdirected sympathy of thoughtless
friends, Painfol as it is, [ always endeavor promptly and earnestly
to remove this delusion." And when I can have it in ry power to
say that pardons are very seldom granted, and that I have constantly
een mecting prisoners filled with the same hopes, to be succeeded
only by bitter disappointment, I have found that, though by a pain-
fal process, a great advantage has been gained. Just in proportion
as expectations of release are removed, is the prisoner’s happiness
advanced; and the less the uumber of pardons, the greater always
the contentment, and the better our hopes of good order and cheer-
\euy
No. 198. 171
ful submission, and of moral, mental, and religis
1 , ligious improvement,
‘The most’ salutary ingredient of punishment is ds cerdainly.
Georgia 8. P., 1849—Keeper’s Report —Of the number pardoned
ty the Governor, three were represented by the hospital surgeon as
ina dying condition, and twenty-one, whose time, under sentence,
was about expiring, were liberated in conformity with an executive
crder, passed the 14th of December, 1844, with a view of restoring
them to their civil rights; the balance were pardoned from strong
petitions of citizens in their behalf and good and orderly condu
on their part, during confinement, BRL Sheds
3, FINANCIAL SYSTEM— embracing conviet labor, prison revee
‘nue and expenses.
REVENUE. ( Gf 0'4
Maine 8. P., 1848—Warden’s Report.—When the small number
comparing the proceeds of the labor done by the convicts in this
yrison with that of other prisons, the result shows that they earn as
touch according to the number as in any other prison; but while the
vhole number is so small as at present, and so many necessarily em-
ployed where their earnings do not appear,—as in cooking, washing,
tending and preparing wood for fires, together with those in the
hospital and solitary confinement—the whole amount of earnings
cannot be very large, while the expense of watching over them and
directing their work, is about the same as if the number of convicts
vas sufficient to double the amount of their earnings.
Instead of being anxious that the prison should yield an income
tthe State it shouldbe a source of gratifetion that there are eo
few prisoners,
1849,—It will be perceivell that it has cost more to carry on the
prison this year than on some former years. This is attributable to
Various causes—one of which is the h
every kind during the last year. Also,
Prison it requires nearly double the amount of fuel; but that we
ope is made up in comfort to the convicts. Another reason is, that
4 the commencement of cold weather last fall, the prisoners were
m2 [Assenmey
taken from the quarry and put into the shoe shop, believing it would
be more comfortable for them through the winter and shield them
from the storms. This, of course, did not yield much profit, as they
could earn but Tittle in that shop.
We have also strengthened our forces by the addition of another
‘guard, making in all four day guards. An extra overseer was found
necessary in the shoe shop as a large number of convicts work in
that shop. The two overseers cut and fit the work for the convicts,
‘The prison has a little more than supported itself exclusive of
officers’ salaries. ‘The prison falls short of paying all expenses, in-
cluding officers’ salaries, $4,138.26.
Vermont 8. P., 1849—Director's Report.—The expense of pro-
vision and clothing is about $40 yearly to each convict, so that, by
the terms of our contract, there will be a balance of about $60 for
each convict who shall be able to perform a fair day’s work, 10 ap-
ply towards defraying tier expenses of the prison; so that it i
very apparent that the expense to the State will depend very much
upon the number of convicts, as the expenses for the government
and police regulations of the prison wili be about the same with
forty convicts a3 with sixty or seventy.
Massachusetts 8, P,, 1849—Werden’s Report —A sudden increase
of convicts, as they are now employed in the prison, is not immedie
ately advantageous to the pecuniary concerns of the prison, A large
majority of the ordinary number of convicts are let out to contractors
ata fixed price per day. When these contracts are filled, the rest
of the prisoners are put to work al stone cutting, which is carried
on by the prison. The labor of these convicts is not profitable until
they have been at work at stone cutting several months, but an ex-
pense for clothing, bedding, utensils, &e. is immediately created, s0
that, for nearly the first year the increased expense is greater than
the increased proceeds of labor from any great and sudden increase
of convicts. But if the numbers should continue to be so large, the
proceeds of labor will be greatly increased another year, and in
‘years to come. As it is, the proceeds of labor is much greater than
it bas been for many years past. It has been hard year again, t0
supply the prison with provisions. Potatoes have been as scarce
and dear as ever, and beef and pork have been as high. I have
substituted in part, fluur, rice, beans and bread, as cheaper and bet-
ter than partially diseased potatoes, though much more expensive
eu]
No. 198.] 173
than potatoes ordinarily are. I have supplied the hospital with a
complete new set of iron bedsteads, at en expense of nearly two
hundred dollars. The pay of a night watch, and the substitution of
flour, bread and tea, during the prevalence of the cholera, have also,
served to swell the debit side of the accounts.
Vermont S. P., 1849—Superintendent’s Report-—An Act of the
last session of the Legislature authorized the directors to let out, for
aterin not exceeding five years, any part of, or all, the convict
labor, as they should judge for the best interests of the prison; and
anticipating that they would have an opportunity to let the Jabor at
a rate which it would be for the interest of the State to close with,
Tthought it advisable to limit the arrangements for manufacturing
s0 as to meet any action the directors should take on the subject;
consequently some business was partially suspended, w ht
and would have been pursued under other circumstances.
The directors did not, however, close a contract for the labor until
the 15th day of December, to go into operation, partly in the month
of May and the remainder on the first day of August. With this
arrangement, having materials consisting of lumber, iron, leather,
&c., in various stages of manufacture, and the Jabor of the convicts,
until the time when the contract would go into operation, to dispose
of, it became necessary, sind much of the labor was applied to the
business of finishing such werk ard contracts as had been com-
‘enced, and in bringing certain articles into a merchantable state,
rather than in business which, under other circumstances, would have
produced a greater gain, without taking into the account the loss
which must have accrued on the sale of articles in an unfinished
state. ‘The goods and property in the process of manufacture have
teen finished as far as they could be, put into market, and mostly
disposed of.
Mew Hampshire 8. P, \843—Warden’s Report.—The result of
the operations of the prison since July last has not been as pros
Perous as desirable. The past has been a hard year for business gen-
erally, and this institution is affeeted as business is good or bad.
On entering upon the duties of my office there was not a dollar
om hand to purchase supplies or to carry on business, nor were any
f the conviets under contract. One of the contractors, however,
continued to employ about a dozen conviels in the shoe shop. The
rest were upon our hands, without any organized business, without
m4 [Assexauy
adequate supply of tools, and without stock. It was desirable not
to st them at work on acvunt ofthe State if it could be avoided
Dut as no one was ready to contract for them there was no other al-
temative leit. On the Ist of August the convicts étuployed in the
cabinet shop were put under contract, and those in the smith shop
in December. Owing to the causes above stated it could be hardly
possible to avoid @ diminution in the income. To prep
shop, &c. for a new business, and give it up soon after, is al
inseparable from loss. The prices of provisions and other articles
have generally ranged high. Potatoes in particular have been unw-
sually high. These causes have been beyond the ken or control of
any one, and it is thought that with this explanation, will be 5
factory.
The convicts are mostly under contract for a portion of the coming
Year, and it is believed that it will be the desire of all the contrac-
tors to continue.
Rhode Island S. P.—Inspector’s Report—The shoe making busi-
ness has been continued in the prison with some profit; as great,
perhaps, as can be expected where there are so few prisoners, it
costing as much for salaries of keepers, as if there were double the
mumber of convicts.
Auburn 8. P. \349—Agent’s Report-—The average number of
conviets during the year was 612,
The daily average earnings of each convict was 29, cent
which contrasted with the previous year, hows an inerease of 37
cents.
The daily average ordinary expense of each convict was 25,5
cents, being 1;%'; cents less than 1848,
The average cost of rations during the year, 7%; cents.
Sing Sing 8. P. 1849—Warden'sReport.—The income of this
prison from its industrial operations is very much impaired by the
large proportion of unproductive men, very many of whom, and
more particularly among those committed from the city of New
York, come here in a diseased state—a large proportion of them
incurably s0, and unable to endure active labor.
1649
No. 198] 175
The average of the prices now paid at the prison is 492 cents.
At Sing Sing prison the average of the contract prices for male con-
viets is about 413 cents, At Clinton prison, a contract for the em-
ployment of 40 convicts for 5 years, at 40 cents per day, in the
Vacture of steel and iron, or both, bas been made
New Jersey S. P., 1849—Keeper's Report.—There has been paid
from the surplus earnings of the convicts, the sum of four thousand
seven hundred and fifty dollars into the state treasury.
In concluding the financial operations of the institution, we take
great pleasure in communicating the fact that we believe it was
never in so prosperous a state. ‘The plan pursued by the keeper, of
purchasing for cash only, enables him to obtain his supplies on the
best possible terms, thereby promoting the interests of the institution,
meets with the full approbation and concurrence of the board of in-
spectors.
‘The separate system of confinement, it cannot be denied, is not fax
vorable to the most productive Iabor of the prisoners, and. if our
legislature had not had other and more important objects in view
than pecuniary results, it would certainly not have been adopted in
our state, Yet in 1848, the average earnings for every individual
confined in this prison exceeded those of either of the other prisons
inthe United States, only excepting two, Massachusetts and Ohio.
| attend personally to the sales of the products and to making
early all the collections for the prison, avoiding entirely the inter-
Yention of commission agencies. Iam thus brought into
‘eval intercourse with our customers, learn their responsib
a enabled to adapt our wore Co their wants and inividal tases,
This hus resulted in a saving tothe state of avery. consierable
‘mount, which bas gone to swell the sum of the prisoner” eninge
Phases are mae for cash
Maryland S. P., 1849—Warden's Report—We have cause of
‘congratulation in the fact, that the excess between the expenses of
{be Penitentiary and the earnings of the prisoners, has been reduced
‘a the sum of 85,893.45 from what it was last year.
Okio 8. P., 1849.—Wearden’s Reporl—Owing to the sickness in
tke prison and the consequent large loss of labor, the receipts of the
Prison have, as a matter of course, been greatly diminished, while
‘beexpenditures have been greatly augiacnted.
176 [Assensty
Georgia 8. P. 1849—Keeper’s Report.—The institution at this
time, is in a state of unparalleled prosperity, probably ina better
condition than it ever has been since its establishment. We will be
enabled to carry on and keep it up without subjecting ourselves to
the mortifying resort of calling upon the Legislature for any appro-
Priation. This I believe has never before occurred, and is the best
evidence that with proper and cautious management, the institution
can at all times support itself.
Maine, 1848.—Received from State Treasury, $4,547.50; visitors
$127.125 convicts admitted, $11.13; wheelright dept, $1,804.47; shoe-
making, $1,331.48; blacksmith, $1,(82.22; lime quarry, $1,298.43,
team, $127.76. Total $103,30.11.
Expended for officers’ salaries, $4,526.46; Conviets discharged,
$240.98; building and repairs $337.53; subsistence dept. $2,579.55;
fac and Tights, $906.98; sloting, 8589-75 expone sec $789.8
fb. ga, €4(8.02.
Maine, 1849.—Received. Stocks and too's on hand, $170,42.62
visitors, $164.35; clothing, $139.67; sundries from expense ace’t
$72.63; shoemaking, $4,567.38; building and repairs, $1.20; wheel-
rights, $3,300.95; team, $882.58; lime quarry, $1,710.945 subsist
ence, $307.47; blacksmiths, $1,938.96; convicts admitted, $11.32;
bal. against, $5,100.81. ‘Total,$25,240.28.
Expended.—Stocks and tools on hand, $16,678.21; officers’ sal-
aries, $4,676.65; clothing, $615.845 sundry expenses, transportation
of convicts, &e,, $1,657.85 fuel and lighis, $1,273.88; shoemaking,
$2,654.18; building and repairs, $416.56, wheelrights, $2,975.49
team, $802.17; lime quarry, $852.32; subsistence, $2,260.15; black:
smiths, $775.75; convicts discharged, §201.60, ‘Total, $26,240.28,
‘New Humpshire, S49.——Received from visitors, $310.29; smith's
shop, $626.29; cabinet shop, $1,675.79} shoe shops, $2,122.51 ; tile
shop, 81.255 deficit, 8895.33. Total, $5,631.22.
Expended. General expenses, $2,895.31; steam engine, $9.64;
clothing and bedding, $262.56; provisions, $2,421.10; repairs and iar
provements, $38.07} interest, $4.64. Total, $5,631.22.
Vermont, 1849.—Received from carriage shop, $942.10; shoe
shop, $1,102.53 visitors $151.88; suspended acc’t., $8.77; convicts
reg
No. 198.} 17
on contract, $1,142.88 gsins arising mostly ftom collections of doubl-
ful debis inventoried last year at 50 per cent, $205.04; lisbilities
cover assets this year, including bal. of interest, $4,261,79. ‘Total,
$7,914.78.
Expended: Prison dept., $471 08; provisions, $2,325.61; cloth-
ing $532.80; fuel and light, $694.53; medical department, $26.43;
pay and expense ace’., $2,611.22; bal. of interest paid, $1,201.73;
soi $36.65; demands carried to suspended ucct., $12.53. Total,
7,914.78.
Massachusetts, 1849.—Received: From stone dept. $15,662.78;
Iabor, $17,782.37; visitors, $1,301.255 rents, $225.94; amount rec'd
froin the treasurer of the commonwealth, $4,200, Total, $39,172.34.
Expended: Provisions, $9,430 06; hospital dept., $249.19; cloth-
ing, $4,167.09; expense, $4,599.063 officers salaries, $16,660,005
prisoners discharged, $189.74; transporting prisoners, $426.12; re~
airsof real estate, $309.30; night watch, $31.00; surplus of receipts,
$2,771.77. Total, $39,172.34
Rhode Is'and, 1849.— Revived: From shoemaking, $1,178.83; fare
sect, $2.32; interest, $11.49; deficit, $2421.31. Total, $3,618.95.
Expended: Salaries and labor, actual, $1,099.79; pro rata,
$613.06; provisions and groceries, pro rata, $813.57; bedding and
clothing, actual, $176.93; pro rata, $11.10; fuel and lights, actual,
$201,075 pro rata, $99.30; books and stationery, pro rata, $11.53;
fernitnee, actual, $14.36; pro rata $10.32; miscellaneous, pro ratay
$100.99; discharged convicts, actual, $49.50; recovering prisoners,
actual, $70.00; repairs and fixtures, actual, $180.545 pro rata, $7.775
colum, $24.12. Total, $3,613.95.
Connecticut, 1849.—Received: From carpenter's shop, $2,310.74;
chair seating, $1,014.83; smith shop, $2,679.80; cutlery shop, $359,-
58; shoe shop, $1,879.68; cabinet shop, $2,196.26; varnishing shop,
$964.83; visitors, $425.65; balance of interest, $839.92. Total,
$13,871.21.
Expended: Expense account, $6,126.39; provisions, $3,939.64;
clothing and bedding, $523.71; repairs and improvements, $270.125
hospital acc't, $340.60; female dep'., $37.77; transportation of con~
[Assembly, No. 198. | 12
us [Assescony
victs, $182.45; discharged convicts, $240.80; bal. ageinst institution,
$2,209.81. Total, $13,871.29.
Auburn, 1849.—Reccived: Cash balance on hand Sept. 30, 1848,
$4,387.52; from cabinet shop, $9,239.45; carpet shop, $23,596.38;
coopers’ shop, $2,799.77; eutlery shop, $1,251.86; hame shop, $4,-
222.08; machine shop, $4,529.34; shoe shop, $6,107.48; tailor shop,
‘$363.71; tool shop, $4,295,81; visitors, $1,817.66; convicts? deposits,
$185.23; rations sold, $215.42; clothing and bedding sold, $0,75;
building and repairs, (old Tomber,) $44.38; stock, tools, &e. sold,
$136.03; firewood, oil, &c., (wood sold,) $232.32; support of U. S,
convicts, $832.14; cash received from Comptroller for clothing furnish-
€d Clinton Prison, in 1845, and 1848, $2,226.80; cash from Comp-
troller (annual appropriation for library;) $100.00; swill, convict Ie-
Dor, jab work, &c., $440.44; rent, $150.00; interest, $289.22, Total,
967,613.79.
Expenied: For rations, $16,090.80; hospital, $883.43; clothing
and bedding, $3,283.36; building and repairs, $5,826.14; firewood,
oil, &e., $5,363.18; hay and grain, $28.34; stock and tools, ‘Ke,
$96.27; printing and stationery, $455.66; discharged convicts,
$1,010.60; farniture $132.40; salaries of prison officers and teach
ers, $15,619.15; do. do. of guards, $7,198.20; miscellaneous,
$1,190.56; bal. on hand, $10,835.80, "Total, $67,613.79.
Sing Sing Male Prison, 1849.—Received: Balance from last
‘years acc't, brought forward, $390.78; carpet contracts, $9,635.37;
boot and shoe do., $836.31; fle do., 96,693.05; saddlery, hardware
do., $5,391.82; lime do., $4,163.38; button do,, $188.36;7hat do.
$4,677.46, nailroad do,, $13,373.91; state farm, $502.17; stone shop
and quarsies, $3,888.59; provisions sold, $1,711.57; support of Uni-
ted States conviets,$309.00; smith shop, $187.005 convicts’ deposits,
$71.32; build’ng ond repaits, £45.63; hospital stores sold, $17.63;
cil and fuel s:14, $49.00; clothing error in bill wool refunded, $1.00;
incidental, $50.00; visitors, $165.94; special appropriation by the
legislature, for the payment of old debts, purchase of books and cu
rent expenses, frcm the Comptroller, $26,270.00; deficit, $1,530.99;
Total, $81,860.28.
Brpended: Salaries of prison officers and teachers, $21,284.20;
prison guard, $11,656.85; provisions, $23,381.53; hospital. stores,
$1,938.80; clothing, $5,501.62; building and repairs, $2,530.28; oil,
et
No 198.] 119
camphene, and fuel, $7,466.69; stone
“ } $7,166.95 stone shop and quarries, oxen, iron
els hays Feed, $1,591.68; furniture, $1,041.40; printing oe
fionery, advertising, &c.y8964.345 discharged convicts =
‘ation of sme,$1,110.00; eonviets dey
08.53; railroad contract
nd transpor-
positsrefunded, $69.535 tobacco,
> Fefunded to correet error in :
8877.20; incidental rewardaforeaaped conn
» $2,740.60. Total, $81,850.28, :
account,
expenses pursuing,
Sing Sing Female Prison, 1819.—Receined: From button contract
92.105 binding hats, $670.72; cutting files, $1048) deh,
3 + $070.72; cutting files, $110.48; def
$8,038.40. "Total, $10,411.70. . seas
Espended: Wor{fuel and ti 5
soa egtded: Fore and light, $1,150.00; furniture and clothing,
Brno suatron and assistants, §,800.00; guards, $720.00; teaching,
Y of each, $362.50; rations, $2,990.00; hospital, $425.00,
$500.00; waiters, teamsters and laborers, $628.0 :
viets and clothing, $668.70. ‘Total, $10,411.70,
repairs
s discharged con-
Clinton State Prison, 1849.— Received: Cash on hand Oct, tet
1648, $827.97; cash reccived of State treasury, balance of $25,000,
‘tepropriation for 1848, $7,553.13; cash of State t
Sepended: Buildings and repairs, $993.49; rations, $818.21;
sing ae bedding, $4400.96; fuel and lights, $1,258.34; hospi-
tol medicines, $180.76; discharged convicts, 994.94; sooner
ining and stvionery, $367.91; salaries of afer, £7700089%
fos $,82295 ome ad heping S500dRy epee ce
Seana geeean hogs S00. wiceanenun sisson
3858, $242.68, Total, s50.26806, nn? TP OPPamE Sent
Rel se 1S49-— Reccived from chaiemaking dept, $8,873 23;
‘ordvainers, $3,782.13 ; weaving, $2,898.06; sundries, $1,296.68)
iterest, $17.97. Total, $16,798.02 a
pended for provisions, $6,329.18; fuel, $1,206.50; furniture,
‘sing bedding, clothing, tools and implements, $1,593.66; hoapi-
180 [Assemmur
tal dores, $290.21; incidental expenses, $525.48 5 discharged! pr-
oners, not having overwork, $312,895 balance, gain, $5,240.07
Total, $16,798.02.
ary, Pe 9.—Received from weaving,
Western Penitentiary, Penn. 1849 d from seas
$2,306.16, shocimaking, $5,032.74; merchandise, 61,619.77; tailor.
ing, $245.88. Total, $9,181.55.
Expenied for subsistence, $8,560.51; stock, $624.04, Tot
$9,184.55.
819.— Received from weaving,
Eastern Penitentiary, Penny 1849. ;
$6,189.02 cordwsining, $4,741.19 carpentering, $959.05 black
95.61; picking wool and oskum, $219 98; tailoring,
oaitp $81.43; sundry Tabor, $60.045 balance,
$247,315, tinsmithing
1,864.04, ‘Total, $16,854.20.
r : st month, Ist, to 12th month,
Expended for subsistence, from Sst month, Ist,
oth, 1849, $16,632.43; interest $221.87, Total, $16,854.90.
cived: Gross gain by weaving, dyeing,
“Maryland, 1819.— Received: Gross gain by ,
eee inning account, $17$11.015 cordwsinng, $8,080.05
Smithing) $2,151.18; visitors, $118; bag making, $1,812.29; bite
$143.15; deficit, $7,054.46, Total, $32,504.02,
Bepended for provisions, $6,726.04 ; clothing, exclusive of shoe
$1,004.56; shoes, $805.37; fuel, 81,401.75; household expense
$4,128.03} salaries of officers, $4726.54 5 per diem of directors
10,08; discount paid for use of money, $2,582.53. ‘Total, $82y
504.02.
Cash paid into the treasury, $10,0005
Virginia, 1819.— Received : a
goods furnished lunatic asylum, $707.78; permanent iimprovens :
i ary, |; improvements at capitol squat
‘and repairs on penitentiary, $607.69; imp: r
$igi2T 61; sock at penitentiary, $26,211,865 slock at store, $257
049.98. Total, $64,704.82.
Bxpended: Stock on hand at pesitentiary and storey Oct 1 1888
i ct reductions by
175.80; deduct from this stock the discounts an ns
aoa ake board, in the year ending Sept. 30, 3849, $1,097.36
Teaving actual available stock, $68,150.44 directors, officers #0
physician, and for diet for prisoners, $10.521,87; balance in favor!
Penitentiary, $10,921. Total, $64,704.80. Recapitulstion of Eo
igh]
No. 198,] 181
for five years: Year ending 30th Sept., 845, gain $3,196.29; 30th
Sept., 1846, $1,270.43; 30th Sept., 1847, $1,983.53; 80th Sept.,
1848, $2,120.97; 30th Sept, 1849, $1,032.03, ‘Total gain, $9,003.-
785 average gain for ive years, $1,980.74.
Tennessee, 1819.—Received: Cash on hand Sept. 30, 1847, $7,-
619.855 amount received for aitiles sold and debts collected. from
Sept. 30, 1847, to Sept. 30, 1849, $86,295.32. Total, $43,015.17.
Expended: Cash paid sundries as per vouchers, including salaries
of officers, materials, victualing, clothing, &c., &c., $41,347.49; bal.
of cash, $2,667.68, Total, $43,915.17.
Received: Balance of manufactarer’s account, $62,324.56; bal,
of interest accouat, $: ‘Total, $62,676.69.
Bepended: Vietualing account, $7,958.37; expense, $6,391.42;
wages, $14,365.99; hospital, $179.23; clothing, $1,382 045 dis
charge, $7353 balance, gains in the last two years, $31,364.64.
Total, $62,676.69.
Georgia, 1848 and 1849.—Received: Manufactured articles and
job work during 1848 and 1819, $56,534.73 ; account against United
States in same time, $1,064 ; interest received same time, $35.42;
old debts, $8,797.57; overcharge for leather during 1848 and 1849,
$5,841.14 5 loss on brick, §27.00; reduction on stock, old and new,
8273.11; balance of materials on hand Oct. 1, 1849, $21,631.31.
Total, $93,704.29.
Expended: Balance of materials on hand Ist Monday Oet., 1847,
$21,230.75; materials received from inspector during 1848 and 1849,
$30,084.71; expenses paid during same time, $21,008.72; error in
account against United States, March 31, 1849, $26.52; balance in
favor of profits, $21,353.59. Total, $93
Ohio, 1849.—Received on account of tool makers, $1,035.05;
lors shop, $1,330.60; engines and mach'nery, $2,011.48; smith,
home, lace and saddleteee shops, $16,274.62; shoemakers, $425.31;
prison slops, $142.945 lumpers, (promiscuous lebor,) §1,267.775
Visitors, 8723.37; United States, $568.67; incidentals, $21; stone
shop, $425 fuel sold, $43.88; carpet weavers, $2,123; Gov. Ford’s
contingent fund, $2,005 State treasury, $2,409.61; showing the cash
182 [Asseacous
receipts and earnings for the current year to have been $90,910.18,
To this should be added Tabor done under appropriations the past
year, for which cash has not been received, viz.
House, $3,811.20; labor on amount due Lunatic Asylum, $1,500;
labor ingwood-lot, repairs, &e., $850; labor andl stone furnished State
avenue, $140.50; due from City Council, $77.91; due from sundry
individuals, $52.20; estimated proceeds of State hog-pen, $310; la
bor in repairing gas fixtures, $160; due from new State House for
smith work, $13.67; making total receipts ani earnings the past
‘year, $37,883.36.
Labor on new State
Expended for repairing engines, $538.03; printing and postage,
$74.71; forage, $240; teams, $196.61; incidentals, $364.21; fu
ture, $668.84; visitors? guard, $317; provisions, $9,586.11; cloth
ing, $2,966.98; discharged convicts, $435; fuel and light, $2,035.71
stationery, $69.51; library books, $76 .66; moral instructor, $481.25;
salary, $915.71; less. amount paidl by State House Commissioners,
£$695—$8,500.71, showing the amount paid out for the general sop-
pport of the prison to have been $29,616.07; leaving a balance in fi-
vor of the receipts and labor done to the amount $8,267.29, less
amount rzived {rom government and treasurer, $4,909.61; show-
ing the earnings the past year over and above expenses to have been
$3,357.68,
* ‘The amount of cash on hand, per report of Jast year, ending Nov
30, 1848, was $4,374.02; cash received per amonut due for stone,
$546.40; received under appropriation to pay quarry debt $15,000;
received on amount due for lime last year, (collected this year,)
$1,092.98; received fiom city of Columbus for broken stone,
$175.77; received from contractors and others, the past year, as be-
fore stated, $30,910.18; showing the amount on hand, and the re-
cceipts the past year to have been $52,098.65
OF this amount there has been paid out, on account of stone quarry;
$16,290; amount due the City Bank, borrowed and reported list
‘year on account of quarry, $1,541.85; on amounts due from lime
kiln, $428.81; on account of repairing and improving shops the
past year, $495.03; on account of gas fixtures, $150.96; on account
‘of tool shop, $260; on account of interest due on stone quirty
‘amounts to $229.84; on account of escaped convicts, $6.50; on a
count of disbursements the past year as before stated, $29,616.07
No. 198.) 183
making total disbursements $48,019.99. Leaving on hand Nov. 30,
1849, $4,078.66.
Minois, 1849,—Received: Office, 8614.77; cooper’s shop, $3,230.
995 wing to cooper’s shop, $539 25; smith shop, $3,150.77; hos-
pital, $1,731.29; warden’s house, $3,800; cistern, $120; gutters and
spouts to eating house, $30.07; privy and sewer to river, $1,500;
twenty tables and forty benches to eating house, $48; new floor and
joists to do., $81; one abutment to wall, $665 total, $14,912.14.
‘This prison is leased, and there is no note of expenditures.
Michigan, 1849.—Received : Balance on hand Nov. 30, 1848,
$104.95; State treasury, $12,000; labor contractors, $7,749.11;
convicts’ deposits, $10.04; State Prison, rent, tailoring articles sold,
&c., $139.24; visitors, $239.52; balance due, $262.28; total $20,-
835.14,
Expended : Officers’ and keepers’ salaries, $5741.66; guards,
$9,064.81; rations, $2,858.46; clothing and bedding, $1,399.91;
huilding and repairs, $4,387.92; wool, $392.25; hospital, $227.13;
discharged convicts, $252.92; convicts’ deposits, $70.93; pursuing
fugitives, $32.22; agents travelling expenses, $5; oats and hay,
$147.46; miscellaneous, 2,154.89; total $20,735.14. There ‘ap-
pears discrepancy of $100 in within account not accounted for.
Kentucky, 1849.—Received : For sale of bagging, $22,805.96;
sale of articles at prison, $8472.67; lock up fees, $95.00; barter
manufactured articles given in exchange, $8,126.36; bills payable,
notes given for raw material purchased on time, by written permission
of the Governor, $6,377,37. Total, $45,877.36.
Expended: Raw materials, $31,795.335 provisions, $3,522.93;
hnilding materials, $983.91; fuel, $1,486.99; clothing, $1,269.70;
Hauling, $1,688.92; silaries, $3,553.48; disch’g'd convicts, $310.00;
Sationery $116.64; water privilege and gas for prison, $224.42;
oral and religious instruction, $133.50; turnpikeage, $185.60;
Postage, $11.55; interest, $518.81; Commissioners, $75.00; fuel for
Governor, $30.75, Total, $45,877.36. Resources and liabilities of
‘he Prison on the Ist day of December, 1849.
Resources.—Aggregate amount of accounts ond notes due the Pris-
on $16,905,525 due from the commonwealth, (balance to debit of
184 [Assemony
account,) $7,359.23; bagging, &e. merchants
at Louisville, on consignment, estimated to realize $2,430 30; stock
‘on band, raw materials and manufactured articles, not inventoried,
supposed aggregate value, (keeper's estimate) $18,000.00; making
the total resources $44,695.06.
Liabitities.—To N. Craig, bal. to credit of acc’t for advances, &c.,
$19,730.56; to various individuals, for sundties furnished institution,
accounts not rendered, estimatcd at $3,231.39; officers and guards,
for salaries due and undrawo, $2,408.67; to bills payable, notes given
for purchase of raw materials on eredit, authorized by written consent
Of the Governor, $6,377.37; 10 commission merchants, for advances
on consignments of bagging, $1,114.70. Total fiabifities, $39,432.-
99; making the probable profits from the Ist day of March, 1849, to
the Ist day of December, 1849, $5,262.06.
4. ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION—Comprising the
internal regulation of prisons, the qualifications of oficers, &.
Discwiaws.
New Hampshire 8. P.,1849—Warden’s Report—By a strict aie
hherence to rules, and promptly bringing any violation of them tothe
notice of the convict, I have been enabled without any unusual
severity, and very little of punishment, to preserve a discipline to
me satisfactory.
Vermont S. P. 1849.—Directors' Report—The directors are very
favorably impressed with the order, neatness and cleanliness whick
appeaced in every part of the establishment, and also with the dis
cipline and police regulations of the prison.
WM. ¥. Inspectors? Report, 1849.—The total number of punishments
inflicted during the last year was, at Auburn, 295; at Sing Sing,
293, and at Clinton, 168. The number of punishments at Auburn
Prison from Jan. 12 to Dec. 1, 1848, was 282; at Sing Sing prison,
in 11 months of 1648, Jan. to Nov. inclusive, 351. At Aubur,
the average number of punishments per month, in proportion to the
whole nunber of convicts, was, in 1848, about 1 in 16; in 1849,
abot 1 in 20; the retums for 1848 being less than a year, and io
1849, the total number of convicts having becn increased.
ie4q
No. 198] 185
At Sing Sing, the average number per month, in 1848, was 1 in
20; in 1849, 1 in 224. The reduction in 1848 fiom the previous
year, under the sanguinary system, it will be remembered, was more
than one-half, At Clinton, the average number per month, for the
last year, was nearly 1 in 11.
Auurn—Warden’s Report—The principal points to be secured
in the proper’ raanagement of convicts are, that the officers having
direct charge of them, be intelligent men, prompt in the olservance
and discharge of their duties, alwoys vigilant, and to preserve per
feet nonsintereourse with them, except so far as may be necessary in
giving instructions in relation to their employments. By these means
Tam perfecily confident that the number of punishments can be ma.
terilly lessened: proper vigilance will prevent the commission of of
fences deserving correction. The old adage, I think in this case, ig
vely applicable, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of eure.”
Sing Sing 8. P., 1849-—Warden's Report—Convicts who are
al watchel by th prison ofcers seldom subject themselves to the
xeeessity of punishment. Constant and untiring vigilance on
Fart of the keepers is more effective in maintaining regular deport.
‘ent and good order among. the convicts, than all the punishments
that could be visited upon them,
Georgia S. P. 1849—Keeper’s Report-—Th
teport—The prisoners general
have been cbedient to her ofcers, tudosvious and peretriog
‘heir different vocations, exhibiting a degree of cheerfulness and con-
‘entinent rarely met with in similar places.
, vireinia S. P. 1849—Directors? Report—The discipline of the
institution has been well sustained by the superintendent and his as
Sstants, and the general manag+ment of all its affairs has been
conducted with grest good julgment and fidelity. In contemplating
the future, the board of directors fear thi iditi it
cannot be relied on. mene
Indiana 8. P. 1819—Warden’s Report—It_ is suggested that the
Tarden, or some other disinter'sted person, ought to be the keeper
of the state prison, instead of the individual who is entitled to the
rervives of the convicts,
186
Corxzsronpence of Coxviors.
N.Y. auburn 8. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—During the
first ten months of the past year, the correspondence was conducted
chiefly by the chaplain, under the general direct i
of the warden. During this period, about 325 letters ‘vere written
to their friends, for about three hundred convicts.
A close observation for the last two years, of the effect of letter
writing upon the minds of the convicts, has served to increase the
conviction formerly expressed, that the practice is decidedly bene.
cial in its tendency, and ought not to be discontinued, nor diminish.
ed to any considerable extent. The effect of ‘entire non-intercourst
would be extremely injurious to all who have friends, especially so
to those who are pnssessed of ardent temperament, and also to those
who are confined on long sentences. It almost uniformly induces
melancholy, recklessness, hatred, or revenge. Those who do not for
a long period hear from their friends, often give vent to their feel-
ings in such language as the following: “ Well, they have all for
gotten me”—“No one cares for me, now”— Even my wife has
forsaken me, and my own children will soon forget me."—* If my
friends do thus cast me off, I shall never go near them again.”—
“Well, it is no matter what I do now, I cannot be more despised or
worse off, let me do what I will.”
It is easy to see that such a state of mind is altogether unfavorable
to mental or moral improvement.
NLY, Sing Sing 8. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—Since the
date of my last report, which is a little less than a year, 230 cou
‘viets have written letters to their friends. And the whole number of le
ters written is 348. Most of these letters are to wives, or parents ot
‘brothers or sisters, and express much tender affection and solicitude,
tminiscence and hope. All this encourages the hopethat when they 27t
again restored to their families, the recollection of their imprison
rmestic enjoyments will operate to make them better
ty than they were before But it will be observel
that only about one-third of the whole number of convicts have wiit
ten at all. The remaining two-thirds are either without particular
friends, or are indifferent in their feelings toward them, or att
ashamed to let it be known where they are; of, feeling themselves
degraded and perhaps abandoned by their friends, they seem to hart
187
repudiated human society, and to have no seitled ex;
again pasting ofthe pleasres of social I Pesation of eter
2. ¥. Clinton 9. P., 1819—Chaplain’s Report—In the corn
averaged about
prison allowing
ondence of prisoners with relatives, my letters hor
two per day, (Sabbaths excepted,) the rules of thie
ach convict to write a letter every quarter. -
ence Jersey 8. P., 1849—Warden's Report-—I have continued to
ty ad BoPer correspondence between the convicts and ‘hel,
fons; and for such as are incompetent to do it for thes.
410 hundred letters, dacis
in the world. He may feel deeply f
fe may feel deeply for those he love
has apparenty but a faint sepeed foe 4 bhave often fond
atthe et Senibier cnn this hen be eee et fm
In a few cases,
jn behalf of men who seem deeply
of their friends. Relatives ought
‘h of compassion for the fallen as
adment, instead of indulging that
an any other cause to induce moral
Report —The pris
(© correspond by let=
Many of them take great de-
eae, and ae earefal not to forfeit it by bad con.
ct wus made an auxiliary to the discipline of the nnn
Hiring to preserve good order, and a part, alse, of moral ates
ihe prison; for rightly condcted conespondence, cite ate
loved friends, makes the heart better. " a
188 [Asceamer
6. COMPARISON OF PRISON_SYSTEMS.
Seranarion ano Coxcneoation.
‘The warden of the Maine S. P., in his report for 1838, makes the
following suggestions in regard to separation as the settled policy of
that prison for certain classes:
It will seen by the tables that three are in solitary. These convicts
are unproductive, as the cells which they occupy are common eels,
‘and not sufficiently large to labor in. There should be some suita-
ble place etected for those convicts who are sentenced to. solitary
confinement and herd labor agreeably (0 the Jaw of 1844. There
now none, and they oceupy a common cell. This cell, though made
‘comfortable, being well lighted and ventilated, is quite too small for
Tabor, and sufficient exercise, which is ever necessary to health.
‘The Inspectors of the same prison say:
‘The alteration inthe Tow inflicting solitary confnement ina
tion to bord Tabor upon the murderer, fs # good and. jst ove, and
fhould tbe alteredyaltiongh many have recent appeared ch
Spposed fo it, and have endeavored to convince the public that iti
Piro” that fa gtace to oar tte ook an hatte
‘i law in elation fo. hanging is. preferable, Being. more. civilized
nd mane. The sentence may bearer upon the murderer, Sat
pportonity to review his past life and prepare bimsell for a faue
he af existence, there can be nothing unjst or barbarous is 8
Tene that requis hu to be separted fiom thers who are confined it
drson for comparatively alight offences—to a law tbat applies in all
Matce where the separate stem’ is adopted—a system that bs
een fahftly exomined and. highly approved by many pila
evan psn dispense i is ety, to Bx
Topemty those whose epinion are ented to respect, Whose OPP
{unico obcrvtion and comparison have een grat, whase whol
shjet as been to ameliorate the conition of the convict (0 sit
frie reformation, and to protect sociely against the repetition 0
crime.
189
In the “congregate system” the inmates of our prisons have not
necessarily forfeited all their rights. They have a claim to protec
tion froin injustices and shall we send into their midst the murderer,
with the blood of a fellow being fresh upon his hands? If the in
fluence of friends and society, aided by the fear of punishment, ean~
not stay the han of the murderer, surely he may be easily provoked
to repeat his acts of violence and blvod after having been arrested
in his guilt and placed where the Isw ean ’o no more, And the
inspectors of 1849 recommend an alteration of the Jaw so that mur
Aerers should not be allowed to associate with those who are confined
for comparatively trivial offences. Such a distinction seems to be
absolutely necessary; even justice 19 converts whose crimes are
against property alone, requires such a regulation, and the pecuniary
interests would be promoted by such an arrangement,
If reformation is an olject of confinement, surely but little can be
expected so long as the cold blooded murderer is looked upon not as
particularly guilly, but as unfortunate; so long as he is. treated in
such way as, if possible, to make him forget his érime, and he is
allowed to associate with other convicts.
‘The inspeotors are aware that there is great diversity of opinion
in relation to prison discipline. While one party is strongly
urging constant separate confinement, as the best calculated to
secure the public and reform the guilty, another as strongly advo-
cates the congregate system, with full confidence that every convict
is capable of being thoroughly reformed, if means are used to ope-
rate upon his better feelings. The one party believing that impris-
onment is intended as a ponishment for erime so far as the criminal
is concerned, and for the protection of the public against the thief
and the murderer, while the other as strongly contends that the only
object of imprisonment is the reformation of the convict. While
the feeling in relation to prison discipline, and while such
Vigorous efforts are made to abolish capital punishment, the protec-
tion of the public, duty to other conviets, and justice to the murder=
fr, seem to require that he at least should be subjected to separate
confinement. Surely, if reformation is the object of his imprison-
rent it can os well be accomplished in separate confinement as eie-
If capital punishment is to be abolished, and those now in our
jails awaiting trial for murder should be sentenced to the prison, the
‘comparative number of those uniler life sentence would be great, and
190 [Asean
Jaence over other prisoners would probably lead to disastrous
zesults, and the expense of a sufficient guard to take care of them
‘would more than pay for, their support in separate confinement.
The inspectors of the Connecticut S. P. remark as follows:
At preset there is no place in which persons sentenced for mor-
der can be employed, except in tbe. comon workshops, when they
can. again, if they wish gratify their nferal malice, and wreak
thee nemgeance on society inthe persons of the ofeers fo charge
There shoul be proved for these persons, a place where they ean
te Hep, in safety tothe keepers and overscers and for this purpose,
solitary shops should be furnished for thems fr a0 person who has
Shown a asposition to take the life of another, should have the
power to make the seeand attempt —certainly not, if his punishment
not to be increased by the commision of mich a crime.
Michigan S. P—Inspector’s Report, 1849.—The officers of the
prison felt that it was due to the cause of humanity, tomake astate-
ment to the last legislature, in relation to the condition of convicts
sentenced here to solitary confinemeut for life. These men were
confined in small cells, situated in the body of the main block, badly
lighted, and without any means of ventilation, except through a small
iron lattice door. It was evident to all, that they were rapidly loos-
ing, not only their physical, but mental faculties, and that thus situa-
ted, could not Jong survive.
‘The result of the deliberations of that body upon the subject, was
the passage of the following act, to wit:
« Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
state of Michigan: That the convicts which have been, or may be
sentenced to solitary confinement in the state prison, at hard labor
for life, may be released from solitary confinement, and employed
other convicts are, whenever, and for such times, as the inspectors
may by resolution direet, until such times as proper cells are pre-
pared, to enable such sentence to be fally enforced.”
‘The annuel message of the Chief Magistrate to the Legislature
aaverts to the established code of Prison Discipline of the Commor-
wealth, and estimates that is ‘worthy of serious consideration
whether by the adoption of a system of solifary confinement, the
severity of the punishment authorized by law does not injuriously
164
dite ”
affect the mental and physical vigor of the prisoner; and the frequent
recommendations to the executive for the pardon of convicts afflicted
with ill health and imbecility, would appear to requite a modification
of the present la
°
Some members of the present Board of Inspectors have served for
more than twenty, sll of them for many years Their only recom=
pense, the usefuloess and growing prosperity of the Institution.
Their best exertions have constantly been devoted to these ends.
These exertions, they flatter themselves had, with the faithful coop-
eration of the officers of the Prison, been crowned with complete
success; illustrating in their onward march a most triumphant vindi-
cation of the Pennsylvania system of Prison
To its usefulness—its beneficence—its entire and complete ex-
emption from all, and every one, of the oft repeated charges against
it, this Board, from year to year have borne testimony—testimony,
sustained and supported by the statistics of the Prison, and by the
reports of its officers, gentlemen of character and reputation beyond
allsuspicion or question. Not only have the Inspectors and office
ai this Prison borne their testimony in its favor, but are fully sup=
ported by the Annual Reports of the Eastern Penitentiary in all that
hus been so often referred to by them as the signal advantages of the
Pennsylvania system over all others, not only as regards the commu
nity at Jarge, but as it relates to the unhappy subjects of its discipline
in their mental and physical condition,
We therefore, quote from the annual reports of the Eastern Peni
teatiary, January Ist, 1840, the words of Dr. Darrach, the Physician
of that Institution, as follows—“ The cell of the prisoner is lighted
and ventilated, its stone walls and iron door is the end of the law to
lin, and all the rest is kindness; the visits of the Keepers, Superin-
fendents, Wardens and Inspector, destroy the ennui of solitude and
take it only a separation from idleness and vice. He is employed
in profitable work, When he is sick, prompt medical aid is afforded
and nursing six days he labors and on the Sabbath he rests, reads
Uis bible and listens to the voice of his Moral Instructor who has
often visited hit. There cannot be much in suck solitude and con
finement to induce insanity.” These statements on the admission
tnd dismission of prisoners show that, during the past year, this Tn-
Sitution has received more disease from the community and discharged
‘es than jn 1838 and 1837, The admissions in good health have
een 56.65 per cent—the dismissions 81.31 per cent. making a
192
‘The ad:
jssions 19.87
Wg @ surplus of 23.45 per ce from the
ciastern Penitentiary has been, much more
pient of disease and the dispenser of
pe eet
omnunil 40 that {
tiga the last year, the te
Dbl Toca of hsrenar entered ave eit whe
Pree canta hemsever of the recived ant diehacged phone
ae eae oornigeine elnisions iatoduced one hundved sl
tealve is el Fiows chronic dise>ses
Peeie Toms, a gjrity of shich belong to sro :
are ace, wii the one hunted and Hiy-one dinnisions teak
Stra commit ony thir tes of ike and wick
saintly ony alleen and diaoeders, many of whieh bei
Prtrsdnced or in prisoners admitted in imperfect health;” and the
sae De Hartshorne the successor of Dr Datrach, in bis am
Real statement tothe Board, December 18448898:
fers, are. made the subjects of consideration an eomparisnn
Certain itis, that more than one instance has been presented to
re, where the moral ad reasoning faculties short, the whole tne
Of mind had been devidedly improved, under the chastening influence
Of a quiet and industrioas seclusion from the haunts of ice, vai
intercourse, instruction, books, and respectalt
ray
No. 198.] 193
ny profesional services have been entirely devoted to the Eastern
Penitentiary; the inflence of is discipline pn the minds. ofthe
prisoners has been daily the subject of my thaughis or the object of
my stuies, and often the theme ef conversation with highly” intel
et individeals, both in favor of and opposed {o the system; and
fhe icesiatible convietion forced on te iny—thal eeparale confine
set with labor, Ge. 08 adopted in this Tostitation, is vot prejudicial
{> the mental health ofits inmates. It certainly cannot be denied
that larger cat of Insanity has appeared within the Year than
the very imperfect statistics of tis subject give for the general pop=
dito bot the quasilon us 10° whlch produces graner6rlem
oount of that disease, Ihave never consiered as. resting, between
teal numbers of the community andthe inmates of » penal Tnaits
ton, bate entirely between the rival ssseus of Aubuin and Peno-
siliaia, Foe'to expect from ux sacenbly of pitsonte: no rate
‘ha the form of discipline to whith they are subjected, the samne
proportional anouat of mental health ao is enjoyed in eotiety, iin
2 degree to put on a par, as predisposing. to insanlty, drunkenness
tai eerily, anziely sad content, remorse and. the consciousness of
a well spent Hif=—in a word—vice and virtue."
Report, 1835.
“The oft-repeated charge of stultifying the mii
brought against th:
Institution, I consider as arising feom the well-
founded dread entertained of the once contemplated system of solitary
<onfluement roithout labor, having been blindly transferred to another,
laving no resemblance but in name.
Tata not aivare of a single influence indispensable to the di
So far as my observations go,
ofa separate imprisonment that would be likely to der
rind,”
ige « healthy
Report, 1846. “ Having coipleted a residence of two and a half
within the walls of the Eastern Penitentiary, and during that
Period devoted myself to the observation of its eiluets on the health,
of its inmates, I do not hesitate to say that the separate system of
inprisonment, when properly administered, is at once the most hue
"ave ard enlightened, and as safe as any in use, as it regards the
Wel-being of the minds and bodies of the individuals subjected to
its discipline.”
‘The board of inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary, in their re~
rt of 1844, say, “It is with sincere gratification that the inspec
rs assure the Legislature that from sixteen years experience, and
ke adoption of such improvements as much experience has suggested
TAssembly, No, 198.] 13
194 JAssemeyy
se rel eeagnceat hbo, al that i founers wd
Se eae prcictel wold enue fom i woptn, have bee
SAY Ean weet”. The ingens have fe theses
tated apn at is ane) geo sce operation of
aon ae tea nll thet epinjny x cossentosly exprene,
ota they respecty invite the Legsatoe now i
ee anna tne thenelves, iw any Way abd at sch ie
erie on shal seem best an Toston which will stand
sa ee Mf the benevolence ad wisdom of easylvani and th
gioy of her people.”
We would adopt the Janguage of the inspectors of the Easter
Penitentiary in their report for 1840, and say, “ our confidence in
the system of separate confinement continues undiminished, and to
‘all who doubt, we say, come and see.”
dren hse eferencer conve? Dn whet estimony seal
ote and Baweutiv rely for cotresk information foto
aera intely conversant wih the details and reall of
sea Gartaaly got on the testiooy of ia untiring oppones
sry sat on tone who have psjlgd and long condemned
rersaries of the pe
Te has been the pleasure of the unwearying ad
nal code of this Commonwealth to denominate, or rather a thes
it as a completely sofiary system. We
Any the fact andthe Unputtion, Our system Is eqpurae, not sk
tary, Solitary, truly, so far as separation from the vicious associe:
tion of their fellow convicts ie concerned, and who, we ask, woul)
ish it otherwise ?
would wish, stigmat
‘The inspectors have directed their special attention and insfitatd
a ne ceny imo tbe very pout ise, For St
aa er tue Legisature, they would therefore most respects
ire ca nepots ofthe warden, physlelan and som i
rece Mbapectly would they beg leeve to refer you te
aon sree doanry st, 1948yeam physician's. report of
sess hese of wel fer thet te =
se ie Sninet gentlemen baving charge of the medical dpa
ee corns Ccter bie decided conviction,“ hat the se
ert af infuence pon the mental heath of the PEO
‘The wants of bis social and moral nature are amply provided for
No. 198.] 195
the visits of a kind overseer at Jeast three times a day—the regular
call of the warden to see that all is right—to hearken to his come
yisiat, and fostruct him in bis daty, and the diurnal round of the
oral instructor in his labor of love, as well as other privileged
sitors for religious instietion and consolation. True, he is shut
oat froin the companionship of the wicked, but will it be contended
thst evil and degrading intercourse is necessary
Physical or mental health. Rarely one hour
without intercourse for instruction ia the rudiments of education and
ruoral culture, by the visits of the warden and other olficers of the
ison.”
‘The tuedical report of Doctor Dale, referred to abose, conclusively
shows that the Pennsylvania system properly admi.istered is in no
‘way prejudicial to the mental or bodily health of the prisoner, and
isa triumphant answer to all the objections of its opponents, whist
it exposes the fallacy of the views of theoretical philanthropists and
injudicious friends of the system. With the facts which have transe
lander our own immediate observation and from our long ex=
Petience and careful serutiny into the effects of its operation, we are
Convinced that the Pennsylvania aysteta as at present existing, con-
sxentiously and prudently administered, fully provides for the moral,
‘eestal and physical swell being of the prisones—and though it has
len for years the subject of systematic animadversion and discussion
in various quarters, yet notwithstanding the obstacles thrown in the
vay of its difosion, it bas been steadily commending itself to the
favor not only of other of our sister states, but some of the govern
rents of Europe.
With regard to the physical health of the prisoners, their corpo-
real powers are never ovvrtared. Every possible eare is had to
cleanliness—wholesome and abundant provisions supplied at stated
intervals—the air and light of heaven freely and sufficiently admit
led, and their health watched over with the most scrupulous and
asiduous attention.
The Board of Inspectors are reluctant to occupy your time by mul-
tilying arguments on the subject, going to prove that no system
heretofore devised, bears any sort of comparison with the Pennsyl-
ania system in the security it affords for “the mental and physical
health of the prisoners.”” Its adversaries have raised up a phantom
jn the application of the term * solitary”
‘eo, upon which their whole argument with regard to its injurious
196 [Assesmnr
infuence on the “mental and physical health of the prisoner” iy
based.
“The mental and physical health of the prisoner,” ns heretofore
intimated, has at all times been to the Boat of Inspectors, an ob
ject of their constant gcd peu The best wedical and
moral treatment has always been euapleyed to secure the oae and the
other.
fr reports to the Legislature concealed or mis
represented facts, or amplified favorable observations for effect. They
trust they have not deceived themselves or been deceived by other
in the conclusions at which they have arrived, having the most per
feet confidence in the representation of the gentleman whose more
immediate duty it is (o watch over the mental and physical healit
of the prisoners. ‘The Board of Inspectors, on former occasions have
een called upon to controvert the objections to the Pennsylvania
system of Prison Discipline, on the score of its injurious influence
fon the mental and physical health of the prisoners, and the mere
these objections calle their attention to the examination of the qus+
tions involved, the more thorough their convictions became, that ty
‘were wholly groundless,
‘They Lave not in th
‘The Physician of the Western Penitentiary in a special common!
cation upon this subject, holds the following language, January 12,
1850.
Tt.was with great surprise that I read the statement in the Gove:
nnor’s message, that “frequent recommendations” are made * to th
Executive for the pardon of convietsaflicted with ill heath or ia
yy oF mind” —20 " Frequent” as to make it * worthy of straw
consideration, whether, in the adoption of system of solitary eo
finement, the severity of the punisbment does not injurious'y af
the mental and physical vigor of the prisoner,” so as “to required
rodification of the present laws.”
1 does not fall within the duties or privileges of the undersigne
as the medical attendant upon the prison, to read the letters oft
Board of Inspectors to the Executive, recommending, prisnnes
pardon, but he is well assured that the Board have very rarely ro"
mended a convict to executive clemency, on the ground of “il
health or imbecility of mind,” based upon his opinion as a pbs
cian, ‘There has been no necessity for applications for pardon
197
sch grounds. The regular reports, and the results of the observa-
tions of the members of the board themselves, have shown an amount
of physical and meotal health within this prison not surpassed, if
aqualled, by that enjoyed ia any prison, under whatever professed
gjstem conducted; and when the eircum.tances and character of the
subjects of prison discipline are taken into consideration, not surpass-
el by that enjoyed in our workshops and manufactories without the
pion, Nor do I, for a moment, Uelieve that the Board over which
you preside has matte in the face of facts, and facts too published to
the world in their own offcial reports, such applications for pardon,
Ik would be an act of inconsistency of which, I am sure, they are
incapable
There appears to have been, daring the fire years, application
aude for pardon for forty-seven (47) convicts. In thirty-six cases,
vo reference is made to the state of their health. In eleven cases, a
feble state of physical health is made nore of less the ground upon
Executive clemency is asked—In not one case is tnsanity or
inbecitity of mind mentioned.
Of the cleven prisoners for whom parilon was asked, and reference
tude to their health, the fist is No, 987, whose “health?” is char-
rized as “ indifferent.”” He had been in prison 2 years and 4
sonths, and hat but sixty days to terminate his sentence. The chief
‘esson for the application appears to have been that his widowed
‘other had come “all the way from Illinois,” to take him home,
tnd the * indifferent health was but a secondary consideration, He
bad a small fistulous abscess—a disease certainly not chargeable to
te * separate system,” so as to demand a “modification of the laws.””
Next in date is No. 966; among other reasons, the Board urged
he fact that there bad been paralysis of the muscles of one side of
ke face, and they “ feared the loss of an eye.”” He had this museu~
x, local paralysis, but was much inuproved. He frequently urged
his behalf, but T always refused and told him that
No. $57; the grouad of appeal a this cate, was bad health
Hisaanity required it. The prisoner was a wan of very feeble intel-
ct, and had been an epileptic long before he was received into the
198 [Assmmonr
fed their origin long anterior to his being under the discpln
Fnfoenees of the "ceparate sytem.” A prison was Dot the pl
Which suring imbecile hocld. have been a frat consigned
Ibsequently detsoed ne He was in prion 2 years and 9 mont
Fis sufferings were not the effect of his imprisonment, but
No. 1019, had suffered severely from scrofulous disease; was 2
{years in prison. While the comforts and solaces of home and) friends,
sshose efforts to obtain a pardon the board seconded by their applie
ation, would be more favorable to the restoration of health, it af
fords no proof that this particular system of imprisonment induces
such disease.
No. 1016, a man of ful, plethoric, apoplectic constitution, suffered
‘very much from congestion of brain, and this state of things was
tinged as an additional reason for pardoning a man, intellectually
greatly improved, and believed to be * thoroughly reformed.” He
twas in prison 2 years a2d 4 months.
No. 1048, was in a very exhausted state when pardon was applied
for, from immense abscesses which, at different times, had formed ix
the thigh,—very few such cases have been found resulting from the
“separate system.” The strong ground—the impelling motive for
secking his pardon was the belief that he was a reformed man—s
ebristian, He was 2 years and 5 months in prison,
No, 1062; his was a case of hereditary consumption. Gor,
Shunk himself, in visiting the prison, suggested a pardon, and wrote
to the Secretary of State, directing one to be forwarded to the pris
oner. He was 2 years and 2 months in prison,
No. 1180, was also a case of hereditary consumption. The two
last prisoners labored under diseases too sadly, often found without tht
walls of the prison. He was in prison 1 year and 3 months.
No, 1198; among other reasons, and these the most weighty, “de
lining health” is mentioned as a ground for soliciting executive
clemency. His health was no worse in the prison than before hit
reception, being subject to cough and sovere rheumatic attacks. He
‘was in prison 11 months.
No. 1206; he was of feeble constitution, and kad been subject
epilepsy before reception, He was in prison 9 months.
No, 198,] 199
No. 1112, is reprosented in the letler of the board, as * being in
mpaired health,” “and should his confinement be continued any
great length of time may become irrecoverable.” Tn this case there
was some mistake. His health was not “impaiced.” He was not
pardoned till nearly five months after the application, and left the
prison in good health.
Thave not time to make any comments, gentlemen, but respectfudly
submit the subject to your consideration,
New Jersey, 1849—Moral Instructor's Report-—Ten intellects
aestrengthened where one is weakened under the effects of the syse
tem of separate imprisonment,
Canada Penitentiary—Commissioners’ Report, 184—We re-
commend to your excellency, the erection of a sufficient number of
calls to apply the separate system to every newly arrived convict ;
while so confined, the convict to be'furnished with secular instruction
and labor, and to be earnestly dealt with by the chaplain and warden.
‘The length of this ordeal, we think, should be left to the discretion
of the prison authorities, but should in no case exceed six months ;
and the termination of it might, in many cases where mitigating
mmstances existed, it is to be hoped, offer a favorable opportunity
of exercising the royal mercy with benefit to society and to the
criminal, ‘
Ware it possible to judge correctly of each man’s character, classi
fcation would form the next step after the ordeal of separation had
‘ken undergone. But this system, as far as it has yet been attempt-
has depended on so snany elements—as, for instance, the nature
sf the conrict’s erime, his previous character and position, his con-
‘het in prison, and the prospect of his reformation,—as to make a
Correct classification almost impossible, if not absolutely so. No
Atear principle ean be laid down to guide such a system ; the whole
‘ust depend on the judgment and discretion of the warden. But un-
‘wceessful a8 the many experiments to carry out a complete plan of
this character have proved, we are are not yet without some hope
‘hat it might be partially introduced in amelioration of the congre-
gate system,
‘We recommend that the employme
lected for the prisoners be
litle diversified as possible, and that
ey may be such as can be
200 [Asseumy
‘carried on within doors, and with the least needful communication jf
between the prisoners. “It is exceedingly desirable that each gang
should occupy a separate apartment, and that the possibility of come
munication between them should be cut off; fortunately, the con-
struction of the prison work shops will render this easily attainable,
Ta rateing off the convicts from the separate cells into gangs, in the
hands of a judicious warden, we are persuaded experiments moay be
rade in the way of classification, which will prove highly advan-
ftageors ; and while we refrain fom suggesting any rules for the
regulation of the duty, we would earnestly urge its high importance
fon the authorities of the penitentiary. Were it possible to keep
every gong separate and secluded from the rest of the prisoners, that
‘worst evil of the congregate system,
to so many criminals on his retura to the world, would be partially
avoided.
We recommend that besides employing the separate cells on the
first reception of the convict, they be used as a means of dis
not as a frequent punishment, but in the ease of continued refractory
conduct on the part of any convict, to enable the warden to deal
‘with him individually and endeavor to produce a change.
Mossachuset!s 8, P-—Inspector’s Report. —The present numberof
coaviets in the prison, is three hundred and ninety-three, being more
than at any former period since the prison was established. The
number of cells in the new prison, as it is ealled, which is on the
plan of solitary confinement by night, is three hundred and four, leav-
ing eighty-nine convicts to be lodged in the old prison, where 2
nuinber, as before suggested, are placed together in the same eell at
night.
‘The old and the young, the experienced offender, and those who
may bave erred for the frst time, and who under other influences
right be brought back to the paths of virtue and to penitence, are
thrown promiscuously together at night, for deeds of darkness. Thos,
cach of these apartments, becomes a school of vice, under the
struction of experienced teachers, and from which may be expect
to go forth, from time to time, many of the most dreaded and danger
fous pests of society. The urgency of the ease we are considering is
manifest, and calls for instant action. It involves consequences of
incalculable moment.
tt
a
No. 198.] 201
The following subdivisions seem not to be properly embraced
under any of the foregoing heads, but are esteemed of sufficient im-
portance to be here introduced.
LENGIM OF SENTENCES.
Sing Sing—Inspector’s Report, 1849.—Committed for 2 years
and under 3, 182 males, 40 females; 3 and under 4, 80 males, 12
females; 4and under 8, 67 males, 4 females; 6 and under 6, 117
males, 11 females ; 6 and under 7, 10 males; 7 and under 8, 33
males, I female; 8 and under 9, 8 males ; 9 and under 10, 9 maless
10 and under 11, 107 males, 4 females; 11 and under 12, 2 maless
12 and under 15, 15 mates} 15 and under 20, 12 males; 20 and
under 25, 8 males; 25 yeats, 1 males life, 14 males, Total, 655
males, 72 females.
SUMMARY OF THE FoREGor
It appears that, in the male prison nearly 6 in 13, and in the fee
male 1 in 4 are white natives of the United States. 1 in 4 in the
male, and 1 in 5 in the female are colored, About 4 in 11 in the
male, and 5 in 11 im the female are foreigners. 1 in 109 in the
male, and 1 in 72 ia the female were under 16 years when commit
ted; 1 in 5 in the male, and 1 in4 in the female were under 20
years; 7 in 11 in the male, and 3 in 4 in the female were under
30 years; 10 in 11 in the male, and 17 in 18 in the female were
under 40 years; Lin 80 in the male, and 1 in 36 in the female
were 50 years when committed. 1 in 7 in the male have been
committed more than once. 16 in 19 in the male and 11 in 12 in
the feinale are here for crimes against property. 3 ia 19 in the
male, and 1 in 12 in the female for crimes against the person.
TERMS OF SENTENCE,
At Sing Sing prison, the terms of sentence of 658 convicts in the
nae prisoa, (not including 14 sentenced for life)) average 9 years 8
‘months and 12 days ; 937 of the number, @ little over one half, are
for 6 years and over, and 182 are for 10 to 25 years.
At Auburn prison the terms of 596 convicts, (not including 13
sentenced for life,) average 4 years, 5 momtbs and 18 days 5 228 of
‘he number for 8 years ani «cr; 76 rn 10 to 22 years. OF 296,
(oot including 2 for lift,) vecsived last year, the average is 3 years,
202 [Assesmur
11 months and 12 days each ; St for 6 years and overs and 25 for
10 to 20 years. If from the number received during the last year,
44 who were transferred from other prisons, whose average sentences
‘were 6 years and 6 months, be deducted, the average of the 252
sentenced within the year will be only 3 years, 6 months and 1 day.
‘At Clinton prison, the terms of 123 convicts, (not including 1
sentenced for life.) average a fraction less than 4 years; 49 of the
number are for 5 years and over ; 12 for 10 to 20 years.
The public sentiment of Jate years, following out the idea em-
braced in the prison law of this State, declaring the establishment
of the State prisons to be “for the security and reformation of cone
viets)” has favored a reducticn of the terms of sentence, especially
for first offences. In this sentiment the prison officers, particularly
ted and the warden and physician of Auburn
prison, in their reports last year, particularly directed attention to
this subject. The warden was saligfied that few could “bear an
imprisonment eight or ten years, without becoming both mentally
‘and physically debilitated ;” and the physician expressed the opinion
that “Five years is the Loxosr ferm which a convict can past in
‘seufinement, and be restored to the world with a sound mind ina
sound body.”
The permanent security of the community is best effected Uy the
adoption of such term of confinement as will be most likely to even-
tuate in the reformation of the offender, and his restoration to sociely
in that frame of mind and soundness of body
enable him to become an honest and useful citi
tionable whether this is consistent with long terms of imprisonment.
The convict looks upon the apparently extreme rigor of the lav, of
which he is the objcet, in the light of vindictiveness or revenge
He considers society, to use a prison phrase, as down upon hits,”
and he broods in sullen moroseness over his supposed or real wrongs,
thus indulging in a frame of mind exceedingly unfavorable to moral
impressions or religious influences. If, however, the term of sen-
tence be such that he is compelled to feel that mercy has been an
attendant on justice, his heart is affected, his feelings softencd, and
he is in a frame of mind most congenial to right impressions, and
‘most ready to form and cherish good resolutions.
7
No, 198,] 203
If the criminal can be reformed at all, we doubt if a two or three
years effort will not be as effectual as though proloaged to five or
ten years. Indeed we consider an excessive infliction as. prejudicial
to every influence calculated to restore him to the world in that
health of mind and body which would make bim a respected and
sweful citizen. Long confincinent impairs the feee and healthy
working of the mind, as well as the vigor of the body. Tnanition
is unfavorable to both
Aubsrn—Chaplain’s Report—That there may be those in our
prisons, who are innocent of the charge on which they are convicted,
and that many more are committed on much loager sentences than
is desirable, is freely admitted and greatly to be regretted.
It is confidently believed, by those who have given most attention
to the subject, that, for many crimes the statute presetibes, or allows
a much longer sentence than the public good ot the welfare of the
criminal detaands. There are a considerable number in the prison
who have been confined from 4 to 8 and 10 years, on first offences,
connected with which it does not appear that there were any pecus
linrly aggravating cireumstances.
Western Penitentiary, Penn.—Inspector’s Report, 1849 —In sevee
ral of the annual reports made to the Legislature, attention has been
called to that part of the penal laws of the Commonwealth, which
directs the different terms of imprisonment. It is a fact in the hise
tory of our criminal Jaw, not now introduced for the first time, that
when the separate system was adopted, the sentences prescribed for
veral crimes and misdemeanors were not sufficiently graduated
wreased severity of the new system. In regard to many
offences the maximum sentences remained the same under the new
system as under the old, while, in point of severity, the two modes
of punishment will be set down by every rational mind as vastly
different. There are few men of full experience on the subject, who
would not prefer to serve a sentence of seven years with the privie
lege of intercourse with others, than to remain half that time in
separate confinement. Tn the opinion of the inspectors the subject
continues to demand the attention of the Legislature.
Maryland, 8. P—Inspectors Report 1849.—We respectially sx
licit the attention of your excellency to the remarks in our last
annual report, upon the subject of short sentences, and beg leave to
‘ay, that another year's experience has but served to contre the views:
‘and opinions we then expressed anil advanced.
204 [Assenmur
Virginia, 8, P:—Director’s Report, 1819.—The radical change
made in the minimom term of imprisonment for which a criminal
ay be sent to the penitentiary, will begin sensibly to be felt in the
present year, and will itis feared, continue from year to year to ex
sae 2 most unfeorable and increasing influence, onthe discipline
rosperity and success of the prison. From time to time the policy
Pr TRe cate has vecitated on this subject For a time two yeas
‘was the shortest period for which any could be condemned to confine-
qnent in the peniteatiaey. Experience proved this 10 be too short a
time within which to iippose adequate and beneficial punishment on
the offender. The minimuan waa then increased to three years, and
fo remained until recently. In the late revision of the Criminal
Covle of the state, a discretion is given juries who try men
hanged with crime, #8 to the term of imprisonment, running from
fone up to ten years in many cases, Short asthe time has been with
Ja which this new policy bas prevailed, enough has been already
proved by it to demonstrate that in a few years the prison wili be
Erowded with convicts, the majority of whora will not be sentenced
for more than two years, and many of whom for a period not more
than a single year. If the conviet be guilly of @
Should doom him to confinement ia the penitentiary, surely that cou
finement ought to be for more than one year. In that short space of
time, the work of moral reformation, which commends the peniten-
tiary system to the public support, can hardly have been accomplish=
ed, The degradation of the convict is complete, by his conviction
nd confinement, while he is returned at the end of his ove year’s
confinement to society without any improvement, moral or physica.
‘By him, and by that society, no benefit is derived, further than the
Dare removal to prison ofthe offender for one year, He is discharged,
indeed, when he is less capable of performing his duties to the com
munity whose laws hebad violated. In the term of one year he can
Ihave received but the most imperfect instruction in any business or
‘rade; and during that time he will most generally have been a pos-
Hive. burthen and charge to the commonwealth, ‘The penitentiary,
instead of prison for punishment and reformation, will soon
come, under this system, a house of refuge for the desolate and worth-
fears its manufacturing operations will no. longer
public trensury. The want of
Raechanical skill in the convicts, will result ia a wasteful and un~
profitable use of the raw material furnished for manufacturing pur-
poses, while the rude aud imperfect work done by the mere appret~
fice, will render these manufactures unsaleable and alaost worthlest
e49
No. 198 sos
Superintendent's Report-—Uoless speely alterations be made in
some of the provisions of the Criminal Code, the eatnings of the
prison will diminish for some years to come, as they have increased
for the last eight or ten. Ta many eases the new Cae provi
terasof imprisonment much shorter than those in the Code of 1849,
for like offencess while the latter soon proved entirely inadeguate to
the suppre ie improvement of offenders. Inleed,
crime nese provisions 10 an elarming degree—the
prison became more expensive to the State, and-no evidence of an
improved condition of offendess. These laws have been introduced
and enacted from time to time, previous to the reviso, with the ex-
n of some amenudients then made, The following three periods
will exhibit the inerease of crime under thei infBuence, to wit:
Prisoners received in the year 3812, 503 in 3913, 52; in 1814, 53;
in 1815, 45; Total 180; average, 435 in 1816, 743 in 1817, 775 in
1818, 60; in 1819, 80; Total, 219; average, nearly 73; in 1820,
935 in 1821, 81; in 1822, 103;in 1823, 83; Total 360; average 90.
The Cole of 1849 went into force on the Ist of January, 1860.
Thus it will be seen that in twelve years, erime bad doubled, being
tnueh too Targe a proportion for the increase of population. Tt was
feared that crime had increased in a greater ratio among the colored
than the white popolation. They sere less qualified by mechanical
skill (© indemnify the commonwealth for the expenses of prosecution
and punishment. The legislature provided by the act of the Bist of
February 1823, that all felonies should be punished by stripes,
sale and transportation. The legislature, after three years farther
‘sfied, of the futility of imprisoning white
ary for less than two years, and accordingly,
‘en the 9th of March 1826, enacted that two years should be the
shortest term for them. Free negroes continued to be transported
until, by act of the 12th of February 1828, the Legislature provided,
that instead of stripes, sale and transportation, they should be con=
fined in the penitentiary for not less than fire nor more than eighteen
years, ‘The transportation act was in force from the Ist day of Au
Rest, 1823, to the 12th day of February 1828; but by a provision
contained in the act of the latter date, several persons availed them=
selves of confinement in the penitentiary, in preference to sale and
transportation, ‘The following periods of time, with the numbers re-
ceived, will shew the effects of the three systems for the punishment of
free negroes, ‘The transportation act was in force about four years
and seven months. It may be counted as equal to four years; and be
compared with four years before its commencement, and after its re-
206 [Assesmty
peal, as a tolcrably fair mode of ascertaining the relative effects of
each system, to wit
Bree nagroe and nalaioe| ree negroes Ke,
Corie of 1810) fo wits Sot oF INS, Con
‘Tota
Bverise, seaty, Nerize ford years, 7
“The act of the Sth of March, 1826, fixing the short terms for
while persons to two Years, after’ an experience of seventeen years,
was altered by act of the 25th of March, 1843, and three years pre-
scribed. This act, with that of 1828, (fixing five years as_ the
shortest terms for free colored persons,) coutinued in force until the
Sirst day of June last, when the criminal code went into effect. From
1839 to 1842, both inclusive, making fourteen years, while the acts
of 1826 and 1828 were in force, seven hundred and eighty-three
persons of both colors were received; being an annual average of
nearly fity-sixs while, from 1844 to 1817, under the acts of 1898
and 1843, 2 space of four years, two hundred and eleven persons
were received, or an annual average of nesrly fifty-three. Thus the
averages have been as follows, to wit:
From 1812 to 1815, 4 years, 180 received: average, 45
“1816 « 1819, 4 (991 eer:
“1820 * 1823, 360
“1929 « 1812, 14 783
“ 3g44 «1817, 4 2
“If the increase of population were taken into co
contrast would be greater. It is proper, however, to remark, that
‘one of the classes of ‘crime, not punishable in the penitentiary, (peli
Tareeny,) bas been changed since 1819, so that it extends to. the
stealing of twenty dollars instead of four, as in 1919. ‘This has
necessarily subtracted a small number from the penitentiary roll of
offences. But the introduction of new crimes will compensate for
this loss. It may be said that very short terms of punishment ae
necessary to ensure convictionss but this is at best an impotation
upon the moral character of our tribunals of justice and the people
1647
No. 198.] 207
themselves, which is not well founded. Ox th °
led. On the contrary, my cbser-
ration bes led me to believe that all impediments which ight ke
supposed to exist on the subject, have mt an ample remedy in execes
tive pardons.
Alexpevience bas proved ht that penitentiary system tabs
wbich invariably imposes on each offender a tee of ineroreng
Jong enough acquire a goa tale, al falls end te nae
Gecrpentes incived tas retain and tapes ae
lel demanie ity aod a a general rule tsb Reserved ae
ise the fnocent may be sway borne dove nite nee Coop
the wicked in heir rapacious experiments on sete, eh
imperfections existed in the criminal law previous to the first of
Jone, and which Dae ben greatly iptaned by the sew ade
tice ntborize me (myth tis istiaion ander tne ee
auc greter moral infunce by far over the eeacena as
robbing sr, than any other pesitninn Td the Canc ee
tr perhaps in any existing cl govern bas dene
“All offences which are not of character to justify imprigonmen
in the penitentiary at lest thre years for while peront dee
for free negroes and mulattoes, had beiter be punished in some other
Neither public justice nor individual security requires that the
Penitentiary should be filled up and encumbered with persons, who,
from the shortness of sentences, have no hope of improving in, or
learning a trade, and who will, therefore, feel but little inclination
fotry. Much better that such persons should be imprisoned in the
county or corporation jails, and be saved from the ignominy of the
fon, The expenses in general, would be less to the Gommegweai
1 will be impossible for the penitentiary, crowded with a large clase
of such persons, to tnaintain a fair character, ot reasonable prices
for its manufactures; besides, the waste of raw materials in ineifect.
tal atteropts to teach them trades, would be considerable, and over:
Yalance any good which might be derived from them,””
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‘New York, 1849 —Inspector®” Report —Of 609 convicts at Av
‘burn prison, 317, more than one-half, were deprived of a home le
fore they were 16 years of age ; 86 were orphans, and 128 half or
phans ; only 30, ot 1 in 20, had a good English education, and 13%
fr nearly 1 in 8, could not’ read at all ; 338, more than one-al,
‘were intemperate, while only 33 bad praticed total abstinence 5 ani
the examinations on the subject exhibit a sad destitution of moal
and religious culture.
OF 124 convicts in Clinton prison, 32, or about 1 in 4, could mt
read ; and 6S, considerably over one-half, are reported to have bee
intemperate.
The great leading causes of crime appear to be, early orphanage,
ignorance, and intemperance. The want of early training which #
generally exposes to erime, is one which free schools cannot fully
each, unless there be a power to search out and secure the alter
dance, and provide for the care of the children of the streets, whic
so abound in our large cities and towns, and to a more limited exteat
in our sparser population. For the other, and taking it in all is
ramifications the more potent influence, that of intemperance, the
Taws provide, by commiting its ministrations under publie authority,
toccitizens of good moral character
Auburn 8, P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—When it is considers!
that one-third of those now confined within these walls wee
“habitual novel readers before their imprisonment,” and that vey
many of them declare that they regard novel reading as one of t
fncipent causes of their downfall, it is most deeply to be regretted
that in an institution designed for the ation, these men shot
be exposed to the corrupting influence of that insidious pol
which hos already proved detrimental to their minds and morals.
efor
Western Penitentiary, Penn.— Warden's Report—From the ye
11842, there was a gradual decrease in the number of prisoners
ceived, owing without doubt to the salutary influence of the tem
erance reformation. Within the last year the increase has bee
d than the decrease during the former time, owing to the
increase of intemperance
213,
Increase oF Prisoners,
Massachusetts S. P., 1849—Warden’s Report-—There are 4
negroes and 9 inulattoes now in the prison, 19 were received daring
ibe past year, viz: 1M negroes and 5 maulattoes.
The largest number of convicts in the prison at any time doring
fhe past year, was 353, The smallest number was 279. ‘The avere
agenumber has been 320.
There has been a great increase of conviets in this prison during
te past year. The number now has risen to 349, and is still aug-
senting. The New Prison, designed for solitary confinement, by
tight and at meal times, cannot contain them, and I have been
chliged to appropriate the cells of the Old Prison for their accom-
aviation, placing two or more convicts in each cell. The work-
shops, besides, are crowded, the cliapel has overflowed, and filled
tbe barber shop, and the space w
his state of things is unfavorable to good government, order and
Jscipline. The benefits of self-improvement and reformation, de-
rived from solitary confinement, cannot be felt by all the convicts,
Several eauses have cosperated to swell the number of convicts at
tis time. “The troublous times” in Europe, and the want and
sarvation in Great Britain and Ireland, have driven to this country
nofitules of the most destitute, ignorant, and criminal. Accord
, the number of foreiguers in this prison has greatly increased
ing the past year. The number from Ireland is now 58, and
{rom England 23. Bot for several years past, the number feom Tre-
lind would not aver
i up of the war with Mexico, re-
tuned upon us many that hed been engaged in that war. And we
‘now that camps, and ermies, and battles, and bloodshed, and booty,
n of victue, honesty, and
eg for the sacredness of human lifes and accordingly, several
hat have returned from that war, have found their way into this
soa
These causes, together with the rapid increase of population, es-
cially in the cities will account, T think, for a part of this great
Fncrease of convicts at the present time.
ou [Assewny
LN: ¥. Inspectors’ Report, 1849.—OF the large increase at Aubum
prison, 45 are to be accounted for by the transfer of that number
from other prisons; 44 by the diminution to that extent, of the num
ber of pardons, and a farther but indefinite number by the modification
of the prison districts, by which conviets from several counties,
which were the previous year embraced in the Clinton prison dis-
triet, were committed to Auburn.
OF the increase at Sing Sing, 16 are accounted for by the transfer
of convicts, 29 by the diminution of pardons, and a further number
Iy the modification of the prison districts,
Increase of prisoners during the past year has been in Auburn 157,
in Sing Sing male prison, 613 in female prison, decrease 55 in Clin
ton prison, 39. Total increase, 1745 of this number 85 may be
counted for by the diminution of pardons, leaving 89 increase from
other causes, petbaps in part by the reflex consequences of the diz
‘continuance of the Mexican war, and perhaps in part by the increas
ed intemperance anil recklessness so strangely induced Ly the preva~
Tence of the cholera.
Maryland S, P.—Warden’s Report—By reference to table No.
2, it will be seen that there are fewer prisoners in the institution now,
‘than there has been for the petiod of twenty-two years; less by 178,
than in 18°
To whatever cause the decrease in the number of prisoners is
tbe ascribed, the fact that such is the case is » gratifying one. Thal
‘the law passed some years since, and now in existence, which su»
‘thorized the sale of fee persons of color out of the State, for secon!
offences, has had its influence, these can be no question—that tbe
Taw which inhibited the sentencing of slaves to the Penitentiary,
which was in operation for several years, before its repeal, had
affect, also is equally obvious.
Inspectors? Report,—The above statements show a decrease in the
number of prisoners, as compared with that of last year, amounting
to 29, while the receipts for the current year, are seven less than ot
the previous one.
Ba
No. 198.) | 215
Discuancen Cosviers.
Discharged conviets go out from the prison with ruined reputa~
tion, broken spirits, enfecbled in body and mind, distrusted by the
‘world, and with the trifling pittance of clothing not exceeding ten
dollars in value, and four or five dollars in money to sustain them
while making an honest endeavor to commend themselves to confi-
dence and obtain remunerating employment. Under such circum
unless they find some one to take them by the hand as soon
as they go out, give them encouragement, and supply them with suit-
able employinent, their case is almost hopeless, and their relapse into
crime may be almost surely anticipated.
Maryland S.P. 1849—Inspectors’ Repor!—In addition to hold-
ing church on each recurring Sabbath, the prisoners, of both sexes,
are visited through the other days of the week by several ministers of
various denominations, each, of whom bas his class, whieh he in=
structs in their moral and religious duties. In the female department,
an association of Indies, members of the society of Friends, meet
every Sabbath evening, for the instruction of the unfortunate inmates
therein confined. They attend not only to their spiritual wants, but
to their educational ones also; endeavor by that kindly advice and
counsel, which truthful pareuts give their offspring, to win them from
the ways of sin and vice, and infuse into their benighted minds those
hopeful seeds of virtue, which, when once planted by discreet hands,
Bloom and grow in freshness and vigor. These Iso, procure
situations for the female prisoners as they are
to themselves the trouble of conveying: them to 1
Warden's Report—Not have these ladies stopped at this point,
bat have contributed freely of their pecuniary means, in fitting out
such of them as needed it, as they were discharged, having previously
provided them with homes in families whose kindness and exampl
‘were caleolated to nurture and mature the seeds of goodness which
they had already sown in their hearts.
Indiana 8. P. \849—Warden’s Report—The lnvr regulating the
prison, requires the payment to the couviet who has served his time,
the sum of three dollars, on his discharge. ‘The construction of the
law in practice has held, the pardoned convict as not entitled to this
humane provision. Thus, meritorious conduct, previous good char~
acter, or doubts of the correctness of the sentence, may deprive him
of the benefits that are given to elevate and favor the discharged
216 [Assesemy
New-York, \849—Inspectors” Report—An examination of 63
ceases at Auburn shows that in about two-thirds of the number, the
succeeding convictions were for the same offence as the last.
‘A very great public necessity, is that of adequate provision for
the encouragement and support of discharged convicts. Very few
of the numaber have, when they leave the prison, any means of sup-
port, except the abilily to labor. Going into the world with a
Single suit of clothes, of trifling value, a mere pittance of funds,
and a tainted name, objects everywhere of distrust and aversion, un-
able to secure confidence and command the wages of labor, the for-
mation of vicious associations, and a relapse into crime, are within
the compass of reasonable expectation; and if the proportion of re=
‘commitments occasion surprise, itis that such proportion is no greater.
Tf sentences for second offences are to be inore severe than for the
first, they wuld be justified on the ground of necessary protection
to sooiety, rather than of greater aggravation on the part of the
offender.
Cana.'a Penitentiary—Commissioners? Report, 1849-—It must be
‘confessed that the success of any system of prison discipline will be
Strongly affected by the treatment which the convict receives on his
discharge frem confinement. A convict may leave his cell penitent
and determined to reform, but it he is met with harshness and re-
fused employment, and bis good resolutions treated with scorn,
despair will soon overtake him, poverty and the force of cireumstan-
ces Will too often drive him back to the haunts of erime. Govern
ments can do little to avert this snare trom the part of the reformed
etiminal; the force of public opinion will alone effectually remove
the evil. Much has been done in the United States by prison societies,
who receive the penitent transgressor on his discharge and aid him
and strengthen him in his struggle with the frowns of the world;
the tide of public sympathy has been, by their labors, turned towards
the helpless outeast, and great good has undoubtedly been effected.
A more noble work could not engage the efforts of a christian or
philanthropist. We trust that such a society will, ere long, exist ia
our own country, and that through the press and the lecture soom, the
‘subject of prison discipline may engage more attention from the
public than it has hitherto done.
HEF
No. 198. 217
Maine S. P., 1848—Warden’s Reports—The billing to be
erected for a hospital and solitary cells for labor, has been commenced,
0 far as to contract for materials and labor, and will undoubtedly be
completed during this season,
XN. ¥, Inspector's Report, 1849.—At Auburn prison during the
Jast year, a new spin shop has been erected of on story, 300 feet
Jong. A new cooper shop has also been erected, of one story, 200
feet long, and an addition of 90 feet made tothe tool shop.
At Sing Sing, the new building for a dining-hall, kitcheu, chapel,
and hospitaT Fas been progressing, with such force as could be profit.
ably employed upon it. It is of marble, covered with slate, 116 feet
Jong, 64 feet wide, two stories high. The fist story, which vvill be
devoted to the kitchen and eating-room, is. fagged with sawed
marble, and is ten feet between flagging and ceiling. The second
story, which will accommodate the chapel and hospital, is 14 feet
between the floor and ceiling, with an arch 20 feet wide and 10 feet
high, running through the centre of the entice building, and with pr
vision for thorough ventilation.
A new road, below the brow of the hill, from the male prison
to the road leading to the steamboat landing, effected by conviet
Tabor.
‘The improvements at Clinton prison consist in the enclosure within,
the picketing of the entrance to the Averill mine, the construction of
‘a new separator, a railway leading to it from the mine, and the ne=
cesary machinery, &c., for the separation of ore.
Indiana 8. P., 1849.—Warden’s Report—A. building has been
commenced for a hospital, which will remedy the inconveniences de-
tailed by my predecessor in his last report, secure the safety with
suitable conveniences for medical attendance, and nursing the invalid
convicts, and also furnishing approprinte celis and work-houses for
female convicts, within the walls of the prison.
Massachuset’s 8. P., 1849—Warden's Report —This_ prison
Contains Tiree hundred and four cells, and wot more than two hundred
and eighty can well be lodged in it, and leave cells enough for the
solitary imprisonment inflicted by the courts, and for solitary punish
ments for violations of the laws of the prison The new prison
should therefore be enlarged s0 a8 to contain 600 cells
Becbttse
~ Mee phot
eis [Asser
Pennsyloania Western. Penitentiry—Werden’s Report, 1849.—
‘The cily water pipes are now laid in the adjoining sttet. For the
purpose of making the prison secure from fe, and to fornish soft
eater for the engin, and for sashing and coloring parposes i should
be introduced into the prison yor.
Michigan S. P., 1849.—Jigent’s Report —From the legislation
of the last fi years it was evident to me that the government wish-
ed to have the central portion of the suit of prison buildings com-
pleted as soon as practicable, with the understanding that fonds
should be furnished. I begun the work, and ftom that day to this
‘progressed without intermission, Sundays excepted.
‘The south wall of the stone building has been carried up from its
foundation with cut stone on a range with the front of the left wing
34 feet thick at the bottom and 30 inches at the top, of most sub-
stantial mason work ; the east and north walls carried up as begun.
‘The whole of this building, oF rear division of the suit of central
buildings, has been roofed with a most substantial, self-supporting
roof, connected with the roof of the let wing, so 8 to form x cone
tinvation of that wing when the right wing shall be buill. As there
is room in the left wing when the block of cells are finished to ac-
commodate and secure 360 men, and as all concede the fact, that such
umber will not be filed in less than fy years, [ have so. arranged
the new stone building as to have a dining room and two large soli
tary cells on the basement ; a chapel and two large female cells on
the second floor ; a hospital, 34 by 59 feet, and a clothing room, 28
by 56 feet on third oor, all Tighted and aired from opposite sides.
The whole building is strongly grated from top to bottom. My pre
Alecessor had grated 4 of its windows, and I have grated the remain-
jing 21 and 4 beavy doors, amounting to five tons of grating this
season. The inner walls of the solitary rooms are also made, and
the whole interior finish so arranged that it may be removed without
injury t the north and south walls, and leave the roof entire and
constituting, s0 far as it goes, a continuation of the wings whencret
the whole shall be needed for cells. This building is 57 by 60 feet
on the ground.
The front building is a most substantial brick building, 61 by 58
feet, of three tall stories, and along and airy hall in the fourth sty,
22 by 90 feet, and 12 feet bigh. Double cross partition walls are
brick.
(649
No. 198.] 219
The basement has the following roorss
square inside ; a Clerk’s office, 19 feet 5 a lib
1 » 19 feet 5 a library room, 19’ feet j a
guard and Keeper’ sitting room and night gate room, 18 feet) a
fre proof, 8§ by 19 feet ; an armory and key 100m, 8§ by 19, with
hall, 14 by 58 feet. EE si
an Agent’s office, 19 feet
The second story has a like hall 5 a ite
r ike hall ; a kitchen 19 feet square ; a
ining room, 19 fet, with intermediate closets, 9 by 18.fent ned 2
double parlor, 18 by 56 feet, with folding doors °
The rear rooms of the third story
guard and keepers? sleeping rooms,
‘wings ; the front rooms and adjoint
are 19 feet squzre, and are for
with alarm bells from the prison
ing bed rooms for agents’ sleeping
Tennesee S. P., 1849. Kerper’s Report—In consequence of the
teary stone t be bruled, it beeame necmry to make «tarps
vay and bridge between the prison and atone query, ata pe
tome four hundeed dollar, (done by eonvit labor)” The eect
forges have also sharpened tool for worknen (not consol) en
ed by the capitol at the quarry, to the amount of $1000. Thaveaico
erected within the prison walls saw-rillt scan ineash saben
of $200. T have also had erected a cook room and stove contsatey
to the dining room, which has likewise undergone inposeeta at
wis & now tao feta been ae te te
éelled and painted overhead, new lables, beaches, tablecloths Lage
and forks have been furnished, °
Lumraniss.
New Hampshire 8. P., 1849_—Warden's Report—The prison lie
FF now consists of some six hundred volumes, suitable for
be idred volumes, suitable for the use
Maine S. P., 1849—Warden’s Report—They shi
i ‘arden’s Report.—They should be allowed
the use of suitable books when not employed in their departments;
bat in the opinion of the inspectors, they should not be permitted to
converse together; should not be allowed to form acquaintances,
Maryland S. P., 1849—Inspector Report.—The institution i
tors? Report.—The institution is
indebted to that nation-wide known philanthropist Miss Dix, and
others fora small library, books feom which are, on stated daycy dine
tributed among such of the prisoners as can, and who desire to read
220 fAssemne
Connecticut S. P., 1849—Chaplain’s Report—The prisoners
have had access to a sinall select library during the last two years;
and the general desire manifested daring the past year, to improve
the opportunities thos furnished, to read and acquire useful informa
tion, serve to strengthen the opinion I expressed in my last annual
report, that the sum thus appropriated could not have been expend~
fed more beneficially for the convicts, or for the States” and induces
ime also to suggest, whether a further appropriation for the purpose of
inereasing the library would not conduce to the furtherance of the
benevolent object the Legiclature originally had in view.
Mlinois 8. P,, \848—Inspectors? Report—We have expended the
sum appropriated by the 18th section of said act in purchasing books
fof a character which we thought suitable to the condition of the con-
‘iets generally, in works inculeating good morals or containing gene-
ral information, and they are in many instances sought after and read
‘with sulicient interest to warrant us in recommending a continuance
Of the appropriation for the same object
Indiana 8. P—Chaplain’s Report, 1849.—The only hooks they
have, are the remnant of whit uae once a Sunday school library,
suited fo the minds and capacities of children, is not exactly suitable
forthe prison. It should be recollested, when seleeting a library for
the use of the prisoners, that they are men, and some of them edae
cated and intellectual wien; soiwe regard, therefore, should be had in
the selection of a library for the prisra, so. that a portion of the
books anight be such as would interest hd instruct such men. T
would respectfully suggest the propriciy of the State Legislature
raking an appropriation for the parchase of sucl a library.
Indiana 8. P., 1SA9—Warden's Report —No Suntay-school nor
‘other library exists in the prison. A few books remain there from
the donation of Miss Dix; but no books have been furnished from
any quarter since the commencement of my term of office, and there
are only about 15 or 20 Bibles and Testaments in the prison at this
time, and they are much worn,
‘The lamentable deficiency of books, for any moral or religious
instruction, has been stated in this report. On the Sabbath, and
nings, when confined to their cells, no relief is furnished
to the mind of the coavict but to brood over his condition,
schemes of depredation and vengeance upon society. A Bible oF
Testament, above any book, would be a relief.
1899
No: 198.| 221
Eastern Penitentiary, Penn-—Moral Instructor's Report, 1349.—
¢ distribution of books from the library is now systematic and
ample, and theie is no lack of healthful sliment and exercise for the
mind.
Okio 8. P—Report of Moral Instructor, 1849.—The disteibution
of books from our large and valuable library, each week, is studiously
and diligently attended to. Those who ean read, gledly embrace the
‘opportunity of procuring them for the improvement of their minds,
and to pass avay the solitary hours of confinement in their cell.
‘This munificent provision for their intellectual’ improvement is an
estimable blessing, and is not unappreciated.
The extensive library of the prison is of invaluable service, and
great credit is due to those who have labored to make it what it is,
and thanks to those who have so generously contributed to it. It is
to be hoped that contributions will still continue to be made, to ine
crease its value, by the generous citizens of our State.
Maine S. P-—Chaplain’s Report, 1489.—Sexeral States in the
Union have provided their prisons with rood libraries; we hope our
own will not be behind others in this respect, but manifest an interest
in the prison by providing it with a good library. This, we believe,
is due to the prison itself, as well as to the dignity of the State.
New Hampshire S. P.—Chaplain’s Report, 1849.—The sum ot
$60, appropriated June, 1848, has been applied to the purchase of
newspapers, books of elementary instruction, stationery for such as
are learning to write, and a few select books for the library.
‘The Moral Instructor of the Western Penitentiary of Penn. makes
the following remark in relation to the books supplied to the con-
ets
Each prisoner has in his cell a Bible and prayer-book, one: or
‘more volumes of the books belonging to the library, a slate, and
arithmetic.
The Chaplain of the Sing Sing S. P. gives the following summary
of the books supplied to that prison
The number of volumes in the library of the male prison, in a
tffciently sound state for circulation, is 840; and of the female
290 [Assen
Prison about 436, The annual appropriation of the State, the last
year, has added 141 volumes to the former, and 83 to the latter.
‘This more than supplies the waste during the year. The books are
changed from cell to cell regularly every fortnight, By many, the
Dooks are read with avidity; but some cannot read, and many have
no inclination.
The books are carefully selected with a view to the moral and
intellectual improvement of the conviets. They are religious, moral,
historical, and biographical, The religious books are the works of
Christians of all evangelical denominations ; and the histories,
biographies, and travels treat of almost all countries, ages, and
characters.
‘The Chaplain of the Auburn S, P. states that
In the early part of the year, about one hundred and eighty-five
voluines of books were purchased with the appropriation ($100)
made by the statute from the literature fund, which, added to those
already on hand, constituted a library of about seven hundred and
fifly volumes suitable for circulation, These books have been prin«
cipally placed in the shops, under the care of the keepers, by whom
they have been distributed to their men, and have been changed
from one shop to another as often as has seemed desirable for the
benefit of all concerned.
Tennessee, 1849—Keeper's Report—$100 was appropriated from
the treasury to found a library for the use of the prisoners; that sum
hhas been expended in the purchase of three or four hundred volumes,
selected with excellent taste by Miss Dix, and the eagerness with
‘which they are read assures me that it affords thein a great solace
in their confinement.
Michigan, 1849—Inapectors* Report.—The library of the prison
now contains many valuable books. The sum of one hundred dol-
Jars has been expended for books during the past year, and much
pains taken to select good, substantially-bound standard. works,
‘These books are sought after with much avidity by the convicts, and
it is believed that many of them are deriving substantial benefit from
their perusal.
Maine 8. P., 1848—Chaplain’s Reporl.—We received a donation
of ten dollars, shortly after tay last report, from the managers of the
1649
No. 198] 22
Prien Dislplin Society, for the bene af shabbat shen,
which was lid oxt in tiefil books exclusively for theit oe who
were attached to a class. J
The following suggestions by officers of the different prisons are
more or.Jess intimately connected with some one of the different
subjects already presented, but as the connection in several instances
is not perfectly apparent to a hasty observer aad as they each relate
more particularly to some specific object, we have thought we should
Ato them greater justice by presenting each under a separate head.
Iupaisoxment or Bors,
Maryland-—Inspector’s Report, 1849.—At present there are 21
prisoners in the institution, whose ages when admitted, ranged bee
tween 13 and 18 years, Many of these, doubtless, are in for their
first offences, and whose previous lives, it is charitable to hope, were
unstained by any of those acts of moral enormity which charcterise
the conduct of the confirmed adept in crime. If this hope be well
grounded, it would seem but proper, that some punishment other than
confinement in a penitentiary should be provided for such delinquents.
Mar yland—Warden's Report—We have three prisoners between
the ages of 13 and 15, and 18 between the ages of 15 and 18, a
najority of whom are in for trivial offences. Would not fine ot
confinement in a house of correction be more appropriate than im
prisonment in the penitentiary?
Woutx Visrrox:
Warden's Report, 1849.—Members of the society of
isit the female department, on every sabbath, striving
struct its unfortunate inmates, as well in their duties to their
saviour as to society.
Inspectors? Report.—In the female department an association of
ladies meet every sabbath evening, for the instruction of the unfor=
tunate inmates therein confined. These Jadies also procure situations
for the female prisoners as they are discharged and assume to them
selves the trouble of conveying them to their places.
Masnen or Kezrine Accounrs,
Georgia 8. P.—Warden's Report-—I further wish to call your
attention and favorable notice to the very objectionable mode in
Er [Assaxatr
hich the principal keeper's reports are required to be made under
the existing law. ‘The military, or abstract form, presents many
objections from the fact of its being so complex, that those un
quainted with it cannot detect or discover error. A change in its
form, for one more simple and intelligible, is loudly called for and
earnestly recommended.
Aanicustune 4s 4 Prison Emptoris.
Mew Hampshire, S. P—Warden’s Report, 1849. —The past year
there has been bought about eight acres of land, adjoining that be-
fore owned, in the rear of the prison. In the whole, there is now
about ten acres, half of which bas been highly manured and planted
to potatoes, ard will produce (if a good crop) all that will be re-
gaited for our consumption, The work upon the land is performed
dy conticts, and no account has been made of it or the seed and
‘manure used upon the land, to the value of at least $150.00
‘Ovenwonk AuLowen.
New Jersey 8. P.—Keaper's Report.— The industry of the prise
ner is stimulated by the allowance of overwork. This is regulated
in strict conformity with the laws. Full accounts are Kept of the
labor of the prisoners, and whatever overwork is earned is promptly
paid to the convict on his discharge. Aside from the great benefits
resulting to the convict in according to him this privilege, it ope~
rates most beneficially, as the strongest incentive to good behaviour,
and exercises a salutary influence on the discipline of the house,
Daviwo Roous Recommenoen.
Maryland 8, P.—Warden's Report, 1849.—I took oceasion in
my last annual report to call the attention of the board to the neces-
sity of constructing a house for drying the prisoners’ clothes when
‘washed, and T have here to say, that subsequent experience convinces
sme that such an establishment is indispensably necessary, a8 well
matter of convenience as of health. In the present arrangements,
in bad weather, almost every room in the female part of the prison
is filled with wet clothes, greatly to the discomfort and endangerment
of the health of the matron and prisoners, subjecting them to colds
and those derangements of their systems consequent upon such ex
225
Pucvce oven vy Coxvicrs,
Georgia 8. P-—Keeper’s Report, 1845,—Repeated attempts hay=
ing been made at conspiracy and rebellion, and also to bura and
‘areal the prison for the purpose of escaping, and finding no exist-
ing lav, of discipline, sullicient to prevent the frequent recurrence
of these attempts, I adopted the precaution of taking a voluntary
pledge from each prisoner, thereafter received, (before entering the
shops,) not only to abstain from committing any of these offences,
ut to report all such as might in any manner come to his knowl
edge, or which he might at any time ascertain to be in contempla-
tion by others. The pledge has been very freely given by all from
‘whom it was desired. As far as T have been able to judge, it has
been adhered to, with remarkable fidelity; and the effect upon the
discipline has proved advantageous.
Coxriwemenr ox tue Sannars.
Georgia —Keeptr’s Repart.—For the health and comfort of the
convicts, I feel it my duty to recommend a change in the Taw com:
pelling the keeper on Sabbath days to detain thew in theie cells
the hour of 8 o'clock, A. ML, and confine them at the hour of 4, in
the afternoon. I the summer, the time of close confinement is too
long, to say nothing of the inconvenience experienced from excessive
heat. In winter the cells are disagreably cold, and at times severely
s. The infliction of unnecessary punishment, should at all times
and under every circumstance, a5 far as possible, be avoided. 1
therefore adsise that this law be so altered as to leave the hours of
confinement on the Subbath, discretionary with the keeper.
Coxsisewexr oF PRISONERS IN cQUNTY mits.
Connecticut $. P.—Warden’s Report, 1849.—TIt is a matter de-
serving the serious consideration of the General Assembly, whether
tn investigation is not necessary, to discover what the cause is, that
the numbers diminish in the State prison, and, at the same time, our
judicial expenses annually increase, as also do the numbers of prisom
ners in confinement ia our county prisons.
The difference, in a pecuniary view, to the State, in the expense
of keeping prisoners in the State prison, and in county jails, is very
great, While the expense of board of those in the county jails i
[Assembly, No. 198.] 6
226 [Asseuncy
two dollars per weck tothe Stale treasury. the stme costs Tess then
fifty cents per week at the State prison,
Oni ror oFFr
Indiana S, P-—Warden’s Report 1849.—The law 10
prison, does not impose the sanction of an oatb, upon any of the
DEfficers, sub-offcers, Keepers cx guanis, in charge of the convicts.
Renovat. oF conviers.
‘Mew-York—Inspeclors? Report, 1849.—The Legislature of 1819,
authorized the Inspectors of State prisons, whenever in their opinion
it should appear that there were a greater number of conviets in any
of the Slate prisons than could be well accommodated therein, ot
hat such convicts could not be profitably employed to the State, to
remove such convicts to any other State prison in the State, provi-
Ged the total number of such cousiets in any one State prison should
not be reduced below one hundred,
! ‘The Inspectors in May last, transferred sixty-two of the said con~
ee Ae SET rion’ ittoe of the nomber fo AUbur, 0d
Tiny fo Sing Siog,at which prisons they were placed upon cove
2, which would enable them by het Tabor, to remunerate the
Ste for thee guardanehip and suppor
On a subsequent occasion, in May last, fourteen convicts, thirteen
of whom were boot and shoemakers, were transferred from Sing Sing
Prison to Auburn prison, for the reason that the Inspectors had fail-
‘ed to oblain for them employment at their {rade at reasonable rates.
Topacco AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PRISON DISoIPLN
Virginia 5. Pr, 1849—Superintendends Report —Te vse of to
bacco under proper restrictions, has been introduced among the pe-
toner by permission of bis Excellecy, Governor Floyd, and I thiaky
with decided advantage. The discipline has improved.
‘On this subject see remarks by the physician of the Auburn State
prison, under the head, Medical Trestment and ils Results; also the
report of a corumittee of the Inspectors of Sing Sing State prison,
in the second part of the Third Report of this association, page 246.
227
DISCHARGED CONVICTS.
The operations of our Association are not Solely confined to pri
soners of to prison discipline, While we would watch over the
prisoner during his confinement, to see that no injustice is done him,
and that the only objects of his incarceration are not lost sight of ot
abandoned, we have still a sacred duty to perform on his discharge.
Thrown upon society almost penniless, without fiends and without
character, let to himself what has he to do in a community wh
ven honest labor often goes a begging ? I! he seeks charity, he is
nuet with a rebuff He has no friends to borrow fom, and labor he
cannot obtain. Alas, this is the too fequent condition of newly
Aischarged convicts. "Before the organization of this Association, it
depended in a great degree on chance whether a man was returned
to prison oF not. If he was lucky enough to find remunerating em
ployment, and remain for a time undiscovered, the lessons of industry,
forbearance and sel-control which he had been taught in prison,
night be conficmed by his intercourse with the world, until he should
row into an industrious, sober and honest man; bat if, as was more
generally the case, he was buffeted by the world, if bie efforts to
shtein work were ineffectual and fruitless, be soon became dish
tened, looked upon society a3 leagued against him, tamed to bis old
associates for the relief which others denied hiv, and threw himself a
willing sacrifice into the vortex of crime. Till within afew years past,
such was the universal prejudice that a reformed convict was considered
rather as a fabled monster than a real existence ; even judges on the
lench sometimes participated in this hue and ery against the eonviet
Happily a better feeling now pervades this community, owing in
Jt to the influence of this Association: and almost every day bringe
1 in contact with some one who is a living, practical illustration of
the etroneousness of surh a conclusion, We find them occupying
places of confidence, respect and trust, received into our familie, and
their exemple in many instances a pattern of propriety. It is a most
gratifying consideration that so many, in despite, even of the pre~
Jidice which exists against them ag a class, bold fast to their integrity,
and lead honest and honorable lives. In five of our largest prisons
the recommitiments for a series of years previous to 1847, were one
to seren of the whole number but the recommitments for 1848 were
ne (o eleven only, and for 1849, one in ten and Gity-nine hundreths,
showing a rapid diminution, owing perhaps in part to the influence
af the Assocfation in correcting public sentiment in regard to their
oper treatment, and the olive branch which it offers to sustain
thee hopes and strengthen their resolutions
228 [Asseumy
The female department of this committee, composed of highly
intelligent and philanthropic ladies, has been, considering the
character of theit subjects, peculiarly successful and fortunate ia
its undertakings. ‘The bjects of their Jabor are many of them
collected from the various devs of infamy and corruption with
which our city abounds, or dragged insensible from the gutters,
ors of alipost constant inebriety,
Toathtome fron the patie
and after only a few days datetin in our elty Prison, ate placed
in the Home, an establiiment of the Asociation, where hey ae
trained to terperance and fo labor, where they are’ treed wilh pa-
tent ender and iesiraied, coveted and aiid, oo] as oon
fs an opportunity offers which ts esteemed faorsble, if they have
endy given eridene of a detersination to reforo, they are placed
io situations of proft. Tt isnot ony interting, but grliying and
tacouraging(o wits the struggle which thee poor ceatrea ene
ties make to regain a raok and positon in respectable rociey,
‘Mer ating for oontha to overcame thelr habit, perhapa A
unguarded moment they are overtaken, and by the influenes
tesocates, tempted again to taste what had already been thelr si,
tod have beee overcome; yet, howere, returning rentn dawned
apon thea, they have Bown Yack ognia to the Home st an ack of
refage where to cultivate more axiduotly thelr own self reapet
Semis to or three flrs of this Kind bave been necesary Be
fore entire conbence wns cstablihed ; but itis pleasant to know
tbat some ofthe wort cases en oplum eaters, have now been for
fie yeor doing well. Bat ve suliipat,
‘The subjained reports of the two committees describe at large the
sphere and extent of their action
Revorr of Comurrres ov Discnanokn Coxniers.
In rendering an account of our doings for the last year, we are
impressed with gratitude to Him who only can bless our feeble ef
forts for the melioration of the condition of our fellow men, who
have fallen into crime, and for their reformation. Paul may plant
and Apollos may water, but it is God that giveth the increase.”
Jesus came to bless mankind, he lived a life of great self-denial
hhe was despised and spit upon, was scourged and finally suffered an
ignominious death, and yet under all these accumulated suffering,
his soul was poured out before his God and Father for his perseci=
tors in the moving and pathetic language, Father, forgive them for
184)
No, 198] 229
they know not what they do.” A. bright example for all who
should follow after, and happy would it be for the world if we were
more generally imbued with this spirit. We should then find that it
would have a powerful infvence with the transgressor, for nothing is
0 likely to awaken in his heart a sense of his wrong doing, and
create a,desire to reform, as kindaess.
But many who profes be the flowers of Him who came “to
sxe an to save tat which was ls" nits nay ede
Feshion, If some poor cresne, prsed wih extene ee
‘ho has alls Hie been enpoel To bad sociation ‘ween «ead
Poss upon thee propery asin of trenge eo ec
tnd the tramgrenor is ot ely visited wth the Se a de
bat even afer he hat ated for his ofone By hutiy ut
penalties be fenogletd ores ase as unworthy sf eiee Seay
rstioieyweache 4 very diferent leon Thos sel he a
2 unto thn onthe right hand, Cone ye Bleed ay Feber
bert "the Kingdom prepsted fer you fm. the fomision ot ey
Wold "for Tor on hungered and ye sete ne eat gs
ranger, and ge tok me ins nak, and ye lahed mes waa at
td yo wild mer Err uprsony and pe comecnte a th
the teaching of Chitianity and thedicnce tof pect io oe
gear upon ws si was thon thre to whom ites eto
Oar usefulness has been considerably circumscribed ducing the last
year for the want of funds. Several cases have been represented to
this committee by persons of high standing in the community, of dis.
charged convicts who have given satisfactory evidence of theit rec
formation by their industrious habits, and sho would be greatly
benefited by the loan of forly or fifty dollars, but we were reluc-
tantly compelled to deny their request, for the want of means.
One of the persons here alluded to, bronght a letter from E,
Doubleday, a highly respectable man, alldressed to Judge Edmonds,
‘of which the following is a copy :
© Slate Hill, July 7th, 1849,
Sit—I take great pleasure in saying to you that Lam well
ted with a late convict im the Auburn State Prison,
sod have been acquainted with him for about thirty years.
“Tam satisfied from every deselopment that has come to my
Knowledge since his discharge from prison, that be is a renovated
230 [Assraacr
Hie is poor, but is calliog up is entice energies to establish
imself in the business of his trade.
‘Among the large number who have received assistance, there ere
many who by that means, have been placed in circumstances abore
fyant, and now support themselves and facili ably not a
Jew of whoin, we believe are reformed men. Some others are per-
ape, deterred through Fear from agaia falling into rime, having
things comfortable about them, are not driven by necessity to resort
to their former evil habits.
‘There have been relieved during the year from Sing Sing prison
65; Auburn, 7; Blackwell's Island, 25 and eity prison 2, not inclu
ding those relieved by the chairman detention committee, 8 report
fof which is presented in this place, making a total of 7
‘The following extracts from our agent's diary for the last year
‘will show that our labors have not been in vain.
ISAAC T. HOPPER, Chairman.
12th mo, 31, 1849.
3819, Ist mo. 8. No, 518. Colored; about 21 years of ages
ceame from North Carolina to this city with his parents about thirteen
Fears ago. Aller remaining here about six years, they returned to
the place they came from, leaving him in the care of an aunty who
exercised but little restraint over him. OF course his associates
Greve not always of good character. In the year 1846 he hired as
TServent in a highly respectable family, where he was kindly treat-
Ga, and for a tiie he performed his duty tnuch to their satisfaction,
‘Shen he stole a gold watch, for which he was convicted and sen-
Jenced to Sing Sing for three years, At the intercession of is
prosecutor abovt fe months of that time was remitted and he wae
Fiecharged the 3d of Ist mo., 1849. Upon his discharge he eallel
‘pon bis prosecutor, who is 'a member of this committee, and we
gave him some assistance. He has now been at liberty more than §
Fear, and comicts well. He has called upon us several times, and
Jays looks respectable, and we think bis case may be set down 2
‘one of real reformation.
st mo, 16. No. 520. About twenty-four years of ages was
convicted of burglary, and sentenced to Sing Sing for four years and
Ste months, That time expired, and he was discharged the 191h of
ih mo, 1848. Soon after he’ was set at liberty be called at out
1é
No. 198. 231
tenet a dsposin to bap hime ans ne marie andl
doing a good bans We became responile fra ll aucun
to euble him to. prosecute his butnesy which we believe he wil
inet In due wes.” "We belies itis hs determination to de well
Gib ost No. 652. Abo 37 yeu of ages wor eid
they of nae 1 Sg Sige
tims ciel by i eptin of eti he o
We ge hi soe pein asians, ad rset pore’ i
cee in ic aon uring inl ota al we
No, 499, whose ease fe sated N
pontnbaiee i te ads of fhe Amriciation me’
No, 353, mentioned on page 175 of the last report is now fore-
rman of the shop where he learaed his trade, and is much respected
Tis with no ordinary feeling of satisfaction tbat we see s0 many of
thote who have been asisted, in various parts of the city followin
their different avocations with diligence and respectability. *
TABLE showing the num’ P
ing the numer, sex and color, and_present conditi
‘UL the dca conoi 10 rete by’ Fi Prion ssetation do
tring the past year. ye Ernentdereceton a
T
Ss[-scwons [oe
[Assay
REPORT OF THE F!
DEPARTMENT,
(“progress of the Prison Association has been slow, Its fundamental
a brother who had been found in a fault, “ in a spirit of meekness,”
While such was, either avowedly or secretly, the igeneral senti=
‘ment, an association for the rélief of the oullaw could not be ex
pected fo enjoy sudden popularity; and ours has accordingly been
frag
No. 198, 208
doomed to struggle into the confidence of society through more dis-
trust and opposition than usually, or indeed ever, falls to the lot of
combinations for the relief of less obnexious classes of sufferers. ‘The
female department in particular, found an extra load of prejudice and
erfor to encounter ia approaching that sex, from, as the poet has
severely said, in speaking of their natural tenderness
[But this topic has been so often touched upon, that we only allude
to ithere as belonging to a general view of our condition and prow
spects.
Jn preseoting this, our fi annual report, to the sriends of ‘our
institution and the American public, we rejoice to be authorised to
congratulate all interested oo the cheering aspect of the underta
ing, and the advance we feel outselves to bave made in the conf
dence and good will of the community. Since our last, waany fic
Aultes have been smoothed before us; new friends have adsen and
‘ld ones evinced renewed zeal and liberality. The infuence of our
Home upon its iomates has been such as to satisfy the most incredue
lous with regard to the moulding power of kindness, order and i
dustry. The conduct of those of our inmates who have beea placed
in respectable families has been generally encouraging, and in some
instances we observe evidence of that growing moral poser and self
conquest which is our hope and reward in the ease of those whose
‘weakness is sometimes as discouraging s their vicious habits, Tae
temperance is now, as ever, the most insiJious and obstinate of ous
‘pponents, but when the cholera was at its height in this city, one
the inmates of the Home was the only nurse at the Hospital in
Fourteenth street, nol discharged on account of intemperance, We
have many gratifying letters from employers, and still more from
individuals who have filled places found for them by out members +
the former desiring to continue to supply themselves and their friend
with domestics from the Home, and the latter expressing the deepest
ratte for the aid afforded them, Specimens of these letters wil
le found appended to the report, and we request attention to their
excellent tone of expression, and to the evidence they alford as to
the moral tendency of the Home. No candid mind but wil
ledge, that insensibility to Kindness, a discernment as to right und
Wong, ia acknowledgwent of the highest standard of datye and in
any cases, in generosity of sentiment, these poor patienls of oun
compare not unfavorably with their more fortunate sisters of the
ot [Asses
human family. That the germs of thee good things were yet exist
aaa eae when try este omer out cave, cven ater ites
1g i ira we Koos oe our obervation has taught 8 that fn
Sea pe) ently sided ; but that the warm armosphere of
2 tr a ec of gon habits, andthe fostering power of
Kinde evan cll them into acta lif, i sour happiest
ee ne icnde who have faith and Tove enough 19
10 One oa inmates thet fale, we ae able fo recommend
mae a oo cine the very fact of a wlingness to nema
a onecreg pired of taipline and probation, sob
Tae a ntfovaingFegularIbor wih close confinement
1 see eyond eur doors without eave—and showing
for wo ts Pbedience the sincerity of thei die to reform, give
3 yaa und forte conclson a to fatore god el
te ere thone wy entertained Tears lest by proving
Wo are abe o aahorged femate convict we were ofeing, © pre
cme ne that rom the cheracer of our instittion it i 20
ae would commit an offence for
han that another ehould pat
a bi oma eyes it de
oa tre Med. Experience ha proved thatthe H
Ja fe ae eto bad rajeto as they ean posibly be unwel
undeirabe = Tht ardly any srer pledge of desire to reform
come (oF than n quiet and overly residence of some month, ot
need be ed hn it walla, The peciiar power and value of the
Fr te ne of the Home, i the opportunity tad for re
soe ibe outward condo, ut the sentiment which ia
Re eSitny o dny ntreae coe wade eqn! een
bad couree by early example and instruction,
May are nok ation need purfeaion, Toward this cod
dana esr ar matone dieted, and to difose a pute ani
ee or lence io thir constant effort; fo snany of the
ae ra ge portions of thet tne and attention tthe
Indie wh Bir iReotel cooperation, Advice and_ consolation
Home ld ening mingle withthe cares and Tabors of the
repro and warm gouge that a inoate performs stipulated (M
i an cere tictubing those abot er. Het mind i probed, bet
at her ideas of the fatre called forth by Kindly
eae eee cons tongs slave the ascenney, they 3
uration gt, Tiyincles tothe experienced ee, a sympa
Br} se hve penn the eppotaniy for deakng ‘ih the sweet
Fr a teh cnsa which we are able to present show
mf tng mode of moral rin, and the power which wom
No. 198.] 235
‘exercises over woman when she can conquer her repugnance to the
‘contact of degradation so far as to approach the most unhappy of her
sex in the character of a christian sister.
And here we must take the liberty to urge upon those who have
never been induced to engage in this or any similar enterprise for the
restoration of the fallen, the solemn fact that whatever we are able
to do in the right spiet, for the hapless subjects of our eare, is done,
in literal truth, for ourselves 5 that we actually leer as much from
them as they learn from us, that the discipline to which we subject
them teaches us many a lesson of self-comtaand j that in attempting
to show them the beauty of hoiaility, the safety of truth and the say
ing power of repentance, we are brought to see our own dependance
upon God, and the necessity of his help in the simplest of there
ffforts, In reading these souls, often truly laid bare before us under
the influence of helplessness and despair, we learn human nature in
fa way and to a degree which opens to us the recesses of our own
hearts, and forces ws to recognize the consequences which ensue from
carrying out to their extremes the very faulls which in oue smoother
lives look like tiding offences. It is the habit of the careless world
fo award praise of blame too much according to circumstances 5
giving disproportioned credit for virlues which cost no effort ot
sacrifice, and condemning, with a no less unjust severity, transgres-
ions which bave all the apology of ignorance, evil nurture and
temptation, to urge io mitigation. But without insisting on the
peinfal thought that under certain imaginable circumstances we might
have been no better than the wretch wo despise, we may at least
soften our indignation by the reflection that situated as favorably as
‘we, he might have passed through life with as little reproach. Who
knows what equality God may discem between us? We have
zeacon to know that even in the lowest of his eveatures he still sees
something worthy of his care and love. But in our pride of fancied
Virtue, we are apt to forget this. The dreadful outward change
‘which a life abandoned to sin and shame produces, is such as to
make us hardly willing to own that our own nature is still distinguish-
able in the criminal 5 bat the nearness and candor of personal inter-
course force us to perceive and acknowledge that in the poor victim
cf weakness or passion, we must submit to own the resemblance of
indeed, He is still rational, though he may insanely have given
the reins to evil desires ; he has not lost the knowledge of right and
‘rong, though his whole life may seem to have forgotten the die-
tinction between them ; he is sil subject to tender affections, though
he may have outraged all their dictates 5 he even respects goodness,
236 [Assen
agh bis faith in the sincerity of those who profes itis mach
{hoa te conciousness of his ove misoing. In abort we are
sa tha te fala of these degrade ones are OUF OW,
Obtiged 10 ov ae ante conequenser, ond That of what we
cae on eae ektuca they are often found to resin at Heat
Soe one pene and amount which could hardly be expected
the sede a epscen To attempt to beuet them i therefore 9
under th cr gal achoo for ‘our own hearts and if we do
sere ge are mere than repaid Uy he icpline to which ow
them goody we oe jet in the proces. IC tis view of the work
wer ue te action for some minds, we are ble to ad
shosld Deserrade the doit, the iaprovement of oor patients af
ae ae ered arch reward. Not uaegoet isthe kind word
ford in pees great tea, the encouraging ile with « quek
Boaorenatl ope te gene reqoa or exton with eDane
a ae onda rey and sincere promive of amendmen
Sent tana heat proves Tet sof the role tone. sik iat
aa fant eye quala before the infence of & Uve $¥B>
aire ieee atin i called fort on bot sides, ad if the
pathy and inter ce they ome al to usy we, on our pat realize that
Wis more blesal to give than to receive.
ee Ea oe be undetaod represent OF
tuvcess as universal, oF the result of our system as being invariably
meekoni tim, ate fee, In comparison to thowe who show od
‘As to the general circumstances and snocess of the Home, we at
a a She to sap they av prosperous and encouraging
Sa oe nctdentl cnnes whi fio nt nnsssary hee
particularize, we have been obliged, in the eouese of the past yer
No. 198.] 937
{to make some changes in its arrangement, and at certain periods
four matrons have not been retained with sufficient permanence to
fensare pertect regularity in our statistic record, But ia no case has
the interest of our extablishment suffered fiom the alterations we
found it desirable to make. No interruption has occurred in the
Inbor and instruction of our inmates. The cholera eame among us,
ul there was no panic at the Home. Two of our nomber were
sent to the cholera hospital, where one died and the other was re-
tained as narse. Another was employed at the house of one of our
citizens as nurse to a dying woman, and retuned with a certificate
of her kindness and efficiency, and a liberal compensation for her
services. At some periods the dewand for domestics from the Home
fas been so urgent that the usual amount of work there was Tessen~
fal; but at other times the inmates have contributed largely towards
their own support by sewing and washing. Most of thoso for whom
places have been found whether in private families, or in factories
in the countey, have given satisfaction to their employers, and taken
pains to justify the character that had been given of them. | From this
dlass of patients we receive letters of the warmest gratitude, and not
unfrequently other testimonials of regaed, and litle tokens of afee~
ion for the institution and the inmates left behind. Of one who
had passed the greater part of seven Years on Blackwell's Island,
her exaployer, after several months tril, writes thus : A. B. wishes
ne to say to you that she is very well satised with her place, and
desires to be remembered to you and Miss Foster. C, D. expresses
the same wish. They are both doing well. A. B. has proved in
some respects, a valuable servant. I never had in my family a more
even tempered and obliging woman, In everything but cooking she
hs done well for us ; and 1 shall retain her as long as I can for
the sake of her good qualitis.” ‘Three inmates were sent to a fa
tory in Massachusetts. They write : “We earn feom three to fire
dollars a week, and pay one dollar and a half for board. My dear
, we do not yet know how to show our gratitude to you,
J. and B. join me in kindest love to you.” Six were sent
{oa factory in this State, after careful inquiry into the character of
{he proprietor and the treatment to be expected, and we hear good
Accounis of them. One inmate who had inhabited the tombs ten
months, has paid from her earnings thirly dollars of borrowed
Imoney, and her whole appearance is in direct contrast with the
tenor of her past life. An jomate who had been ina place of do-
esti service several months, became so Home-sick that her em-
Ployers allowed her to retura and visit her old friends and compan
fons at the institution, She passed one week at the Home, and at
238 [Assume
the expiration of the time went back to her place, contented and
hhappy, having left the house but once, and that to make a few pure
‘chases, accompanied by a member of the committee,
|AIl our house reports speak: of the order, industry and Kind feel-
ing which prevails at the home, It is evidently a school of the best
‘afections; its mild discipline commen itself so to the reason and
Conscience of the inmates that irritation seldom occurs, and the pet~
sonal attention bestowed upon each case by our matrons and by the
members of the commitiee, secures the treatment best suited to each
particular case, We wish it were allowable to partigularise those
Thembers whose labors of love hare been especially abuadant,
Season and out of season,” through all difficulties and discourage:
ments; but since it may not be we will only soy, that in this ease
fe in many others, the labor falls on afew, comparatively, and the
Teast others can do is to strengthen their bands and supply them
with the requisite means for carrying into effect their excellent
Flans, which is all they ask, The home is at all times open to the
Inspection of visitors, ond no valuable suggestion from any quarter
is unwelcome. We solicit visits, as the very best mode of awaken=
ing am interest in our object. One hour in the work room is gene
rally enough to concert the most skeptical. To see those who were
once the vilest of the vile, at home only in riot, and scorning all or-
Ger and. decency, sitting “clothed and in their right mind,” clean,
Gocile, industrious, quiet, respectful, pleads better than the eloquence
fof Demosthenes in favor of the rationality of our attempt. Our
Suoday services are attended regularly, and with great interest. | A
city missionary offiiates in the morning, and some Kind religious
friend in the evening
pies the afternoon, and we have good reason to believe that none of
These Sabbath exercises are without good results on the character of
four inmates, who would feel themselves almost injured if they were
cmitted, We woull take this opportunity to return our grateful acy
Lnowledgmenis tothe kind christian friends who have with eonstan-
cy and diligence conducted these exercises for us
"A bible class or some suitable reading occw
‘Tho valuable services of Dr. Josish Hopper, which bave so long
been gratuitously rendered at the home, at all hours of the day and
ight, and without consideration of personal sacrifice, we are com=
pelled to relinquish on account of his removal from the city. He
Takes with him our united thanks for all his kindness, and our best
‘wishes for his health and well doing, wherever bis lot may be cast-
rH
No. 198.) © 239
Statistios can give but inadeqaate ideas of the real condition and
performance of an institution like ours, which deals with mind more
than matter, and seeks its happiest results in particulars which can
not be reduced to figures or calculated in dollars and cents. In those
which follow will be found some of the more obvious circumstances
of our eopdition for the past year, and we eannot but hope that even
in these will be found sufficient inducement to entrust us with still
larger means for that which is to come, Tt is no empty boast to
‘sy, that our economy has increased with out resources, since with
the same care and effort we have been able to operate so much more
advantageously
1849, New Year's day 22 inmates.
Received during the yeary
We can report favorably of
which number kave been sent to their friens,
To the hospital,-
Cholera do,
Magdalen do
California,-
Retumed to evil courses
Retaining at the Home,-
In expressing our gratitude for the confidence hitherto reposed in
1s, we would respectfully urge upon those who have heretofore en-
Ineted us with means, to informa themselves personally as {0 our
condition and efforts, ‘Only in this way can we hope to obtain uch
iteral donations as will enable us to extend our bounds so as to
fer the benefits of our Home to as many as shall be disposed to
avail themselves of it. We necd a larger and better calculated
louse, and more facilities for conducting a variety of employments
suited to the different powers and capacities of our inmates. Indus
‘a isa potent implement in our plan of reform; and in onder. to
Slog this to bear upon all, we must have work in sulicient variety
io excite the emulation and stimulate the ingenuity of different dis-
240 [Asseomey
positions, talents and habits. We need the means of teaching eer-
tain trades, as tailoring, for instance. ‘The postession of a good
business of that kind woul have savel some of our poor patients
fiom degradation, and will certainly do something tovards restoring
them to decent’ place in society; not by rendering them indepen-
dent of future good behavior, but by making it their interest and
placing them in ci Ta order to do
this effectually we need an increase of means, and we trust some
kind hearts will be moved to respond to this appeal.
cumstances vehere iL is possible.
I concluding out report, we cannot but feel that we have been
able to give but a very inadequate idea of the importance of oar
undertaking and the value of its results. We have done little to-
‘wards enlisting public sympathy in its favor, or lessening the repug-
nance which is felt by some at the very name of female convict
As to the fst, we may say tbat _no words at our command could
express our sense of the want of such an institution as the Home;
nothing but a personal familiarity with our prisons ean teach this,
‘As to the second, the enlisting of public sympathy, we feel that after
‘our simple statement of fats and convictions, the sympathy which
each one feels will be in proportion to his moral and religious eul-
ture, provided we have been able to enlist his attention for a few
moments. As to the last, that fatal repugnance to the forin of tene
demess we wish to relieve, we would remind those who plead against
listening to us, that when one of old asked Who is my neighbor!”
our Saviour showed that to fall among thieves, to be stripped,
wounded and left half dead, constituted a claim to be thus con-
sidered; and under this holy savetion and on this broad ground, we
entreat that those who do not feel willing personaly to encounter
this class of suferers, shall at least give the pence which will enable
tw to act as their substitutes,
GM, KIRKLAND,
Corresponding Secretory
CORRESPONDENCE FEMALE DEPARTMENT PRISON
ASSOCIATION,
The following correspondence from former inmates wil] be read
with deep interest by every sincere christian into whose hands it may
fall. It would scem that there are very few, if any, so far undet
the influence and dominion of their evil propensities, as to preclude
all hope of reform; for many of these alluded to in the following
ley?
No. 198,] mr
eters had depart widely fom th pat
degraded cuts tom repeat toca, onl 2 taunt apenas
nity. Becoing weary ol swh'a He they son ee
the Home, wher throng the faa tat ne eng cae” in
wil the, besing of Providence tact een 'were siesteoea coat
tow much sperior aie of wire and item ie tet ob ee
1 Sine and Daving come othe stemton fees
0 do well,” have changed thet a
aud are now respected an etal ied their course,
th of rectitude—had become
Mew. A. HL. G. March 34, 1849,
Ean en eto aa ech ad
Fe, &S You may possibly think that I have nae
ey ha ced fom’ you aa teen ate
rere the case, then T would consider myself ve ot
ie it hope Mise Woot wil no tag ee mete
reasons why I did not write before; but 1 ean assure mth Teas
never ject what the Home has done for me, pei ee
4 sorrowful day; often on my bed at :
iw rede ane
Sigh Coo inc aed
hol a en fre Hat
other fo pon, wie
rors hick Tenjoy teed
Ste on Blackall la tn
Thad eth end oro
lofkinne owe eae
os {Assexane
stinat been for good Me. Sensis; never cam I forget Bs Kindness to
Bt pot Mimew nothing of the Home then, until be ‘ireoted me to its
mes bc maudy {would meet with fiende—2 tral Set Found them
Bee such fiends that Y feel Tenn never be Boll grateful to them
for their kindness to. me.
Yours very eespecttully and with regard
July 26, 1819.
Mies Woon and Miss Faraunsson
Teapected Madams—I have often thought of 7H, to you since
4 BeP Se, to expres oy feclings of gratite forall the kindness
That you showed whit remaining with you, ee rach happier I
‘am now than | for which T hope that T
fam truly thankful. vd read my bible
Jeny Jeisure hoors undiaturbed: Tam getting well fitted up for
iy reich Me, T—— has taken care of inde tave not the
east trouble about them, 1 like my place wel
‘With auch respects
1 remain yours,
August 20, 1849.
Mrs, Ath G
te AG. we arivel enfin R— on Townlag Mi
Meo rege ap tran to receives with wag 5 the felon
wae aig ot Meio where the train stopped. Tt isa ben!
te i ec aey we brardin a howe Me-B. beep ft he
place ve ws tice be has employe, His oppete bs owe
commodo roam Tes there. He hs at present eight 045
2 ra Sst they al board i the one bowees we com a 6
employed ama to 85) we pay one dolar ands all weak
2 ele ro lay 1 reat Mths pans the Leer tH
reat m ck eds is my onzstant paper that Yok 2)
rie You oto gow fail ant ied, and agin glen
again be ore es of the Home with your presence, You y
eat ot dens tet me know ifyou ae recovered we
sa a ent yon, My deat Ms, we donot Know bow
ney wee ta you fr sealing vt to euch respectable PLO
show aia at ga Hving and not work very hand OF
Ba oe etsa ie the morning til re in the aernem
1ea9
No.
198.) 243
and E. join me in the kindes
tnd Bj the Kindest Jove to you and family, and all in the
Yours respectfully,
Amaia Nov. 27th, 1849.
Dear friend
T arrived here
ae sd here the same day L left the Home, at 2
pore rg pee
soe hai “i me oul there. Mrs. G., my respects to you sel,
Miss Avis and Miss Purinton. Mrs. C.’s people he pe
Mr. B. and wife send theit respects to you.
5 in this letter to pay for hail
Wy traveling expenses to this place.
sa Mo 818
oven oy ey tat you bie made a better selection for us than
fat our Heavenly Father by His snforsee 5
Soe weer oe
ta peace which tov onl GEMGy wiabeis ioe nuoee ee
assurance that
hus
hat “the dead is
dead isa Mrs, M.sinites ia send=
ing love,
ive, the lost is found.”
Yours truly,
CMM
[Assen
Apri 18, 1849.
Mrs. G.
We have bev» told by Me, L. that wishes to return
to our house. We should be very glad to have her in our fam-
ily aguin, yet there is one objection—she cannot mille We have
too cows, and it would inany times be very inconvenient. I have
found 2 place for her if she wishes to return to P——, in sinall,
pleasant family, near by H. B. G's; their work will be tight
P tink she will be pleased with the family and they with her.
———is with me, she is very good help. Mes, G. wishes
To come immediately. I would like to see her. Her fare
shall be paid ‘Yours sincerely,
£ BT.
Sept. 8, 1849.
My dear Miss Wood:
Pol liked Co very noch, and she is now at a sister's of Me. T
Misog extremely well and expects to remain through the winter,
She ks contented and does not wish to return tothe ei
‘Your friend, 1.
[veom a nishty respectabieelergyman'in Consestiute}
Aug. 2, 1849.
Miss Wood:
‘Dear madat—We have been obliged to part with ———, who
will bear this to you. We regret that we must do so, but as my
health compels me to remove with my family for several months, it
has seemed unavoidable. She has served us faithfully, and 1 would
cheerfully recommend, hier through you, to any one who may wish
her as a domestic. She can cook all ordinary meats and vegetables,
make excellent bread, and is, as you know, an excelleat washer and
Hroner. She is good tempered, patient, respectful and industrious
Since she has been with us she has shown no disposition to return
to any bad habits, and does not seem at all contaminated by the
seenes through which she has hitherto passed. We feel much inte-
pested i her, and hope that she will in all respects continue to do
well. Yours with esteei,
HOB EL
‘The following is an extract from a leiter dated Sept. 17, 1849
from the proprietor of a highly respectable manufacturing establishy
ment in New England —
1847
No. 198] 15
“ We would say that ——~ are excellent girls, and have conduct-
ed themselves with much propsiety + they appe
with their situations. REE AE OT peat te Nee pie
{eis out delight to treat all in our employ with kindness and love;
in sickness we spare no pains to render them comfortable, we use
trery means (o teach ccotomy and to tke good use of thes wage,
tee wee all our influence 0" get them to epend ther. sebhuthe at
Church, and endeavor 10 eet before them such an example a8 w
should wish set before our own children.” ue
‘The following letter is frow the same establishment —
December
Respected Friend pereieee
"AHL G.--Your kind favor ofthe 10 a
ton tl gi Tiy al rived Mea pce a cme
fered work Seto ey appent well and ve thnk il
for us and for themselves. Me mie re
— and — and — are wetland are good gictay ap
to be wel pleased, they are all steady and altetive i thek ork,
and s0 far as we are able to learn, make good use of their earnings
by buying good, suitable clothing. 3
We endeavor as far as possible to encourage them, and all in our
ployment, in doing well. We set the example of industry and
economy before our people, and (ry to have therm follow it.
Hest ansred of out Kind fing for the
le os Ui lane eet ey
Sok GL IG ajar esp aa OFe oo ned tte) bo
Hidicas Of dolee out duty 0 Wome whom gan pce tader ee tac
Teee ou hae
Band F
Reid ea etir de regtelpion elicit ary
scompcnion hea fo th ee
sywpathy and kindness -— s i ae
A Thai gou avd a th tse ond ra 10
sma ons Ane Reger ie would ates homes well aaoc pee
216 [Assemnny
cured her a situation itv a good family of worlly people, where she
gels $1.0 a week, and and ——, hare been good
gitls, we are just payinig them for their thee maont’s work. Each
fone has Taid by a pretty little sum for laboring feuales. ‘and
appear contented and are very study’ to their work and make
very fair wages so far, a tille ever £1.69 per week,
We would again express our Lest feelings towards your fustitution,
and to all the Kind and benevolent people sho sust
any of our gitls leave us we would with
for more. We remain truly yours,
eat pleasure
Beand Fr
‘ase of deserves notice as happily illustrating
the practical elect of our institution. is a foreigner
of respectable parentage. She was educated at a boarding school;
fa place wl.ere, for the most part, the least valuable accomplishments
are superficially taught, and where the development of the highest
faculties, iuiellectual and moral is grossly neglected,
came to New-York with her husband who had a
lange capital invested in a respectable business of more than ordinae
ry hazard. He failed and died, and left @ pretty and attractive
widow, poor, a stranger and unprotected. She remained in New-
‘York in the hope of saving something from the wreck of her hi
band’s afars. To assist ber she had recourse to a naa who holds
a respectable position in society; after a time she becatne his
tress. We bave no wish to investigate or describe the acts by whic
her ruin was effected, and certainly we have no words to paint the
crime of seduction—a crime whieh, tolerated as it is by society,
GGhame that it is sol) is registered on God’s holy record as the
Blackest of sins. In duc time, of course, the woman was forsakens
‘the man went on unbleached in his career—invested with honors by
his fellow men, and received into theie circles by decent women.
‘The poor wornan had sinned away her right to return to her friends
at home—men here despised her—decent women here could not
speak to her! She had recourse to the Lethe of our christian age,
and atter 4 series of miseries was found by one of the Indies of out
society in the Tombs. She was brought to our “Home.” Her
health was impaired, her spirit broken, She was in that dismal
state of final reprobation; her hope gone! In recurring to that
petiod, ina letter recently received, she says, “Richly have I de-
EHD
No. 198.] air
served she just anger of God, anu the vial of his wrath has been
emptied to the dregs on my devoted heal, My heart is too full for
attevance er complaint to any bot ita.” And again, “I never,
never ean repay you, my deor Mrs, Giblons, and dear Mr. Searle,
Entrapped in the hands of such a
powerful eneiay, where should T have been, a stranger in a foreign
and, if God, in his merey, had not raised you up for me? I think.
of it and tremble at the past! ‘I was naked and ye clothed me?”
ir ol Four Goins we
This is not verbiage, nor the cant so often used by the poor vie
tims who have lost every thing of virtue but its hacknied phrases,
Her position at the Hone was attended by petty trials, harder to be
borne with patience than calamities. She was placed on an equal
footing vslth persons greatly her inferiors in education and manners,
She had to cat, drink, sleep and live with then. Her deportment
betrayed ne conscionsness of her superiority, She adorned her pene
tence with a mock snd quiet spirit, She patieatly porforimed labo-
rions offiees to which she had Been unaccustomed, and occasionally.
Kindly imparted instruction fo the more ignorant of her associates.
After a year of approved probation, the place of assistant teacher in
the family of @ country clesgyman was procured for her; here she
remained for nearly a year, performing considerable labor for slight
emuneration, making no complaint, expressing gratitude for every
kindness shown to her, and always aequiescing in the advice of her
friends.
Early in November she writes a letter to one of the ladies, be-
ginning, “ Joy! dear Mrs. Gibbons, good news from a far country !
Thave had a letter full of love from home!” ‘There is forgiveness
and a welcome for the penitent. OF course she is all eagerness to
grise and go to her father,” but with her characteristic docility she
says, “T have decided to go to Europe in the spring. 1 expect you
will’ advise me tobe stationary till then; and patiently she is
awaiting the day of her restoration,
‘We ask the friends of humanity to pause and consider this ease
Tn the first place, why for the same transgression, (if it were the
me in guill—if the seluced -vere as guilly as the seducer,) ao
unequal a measure of retributiou should be meted out to the man
tnd the woman? And secondly, we ask if a society that has res
cued from the depths of misery one human being capable of virtue
and of apiness here, and destined to immortality, bas not a claim
os [Asean
upon christian liberality. This is one case. Our report will show
how many have been saved for a time, have had months of blessing
instead of cursing, und how many we have a good hope that they
are finally reclaimed,
At one of oor monthly meetings, after several new inipates had
been summoned, questioned, counselled, and dismissed to their var
fous occupations, a tidy, intelligent looking young woinan entered,
leading a fine healthy boy, apparently about three years old, There
was a striking contrast between her clear eye, light step, deferential
though selfrespectful manner, and the looks of the stolid, bloated,
emacisted victims of intemperance, Every one adinired the child,
and to the question “where is your husband Bridget?” She answer
ced, “ there is no use in lying about it, now, ladies, I never was mar-
ried,” and burst into tears, Her sad story, more sad than rare,,was
related with such simplicity and pathos, that no one thought of dis-
believing it, The son of the lady in whose service she had
vwas her betrayer. As soon as a discovery was made, she was turned
‘out of doors. He had given her his watch, which she took with
hher. She was immediately pursued by an officer, who searched het
trunk, and found the unlucky gift. Unwary victim! She was et
tangled in the toils of sin, To be tied, condemned and sentenced
to the State prison, was the unavoidable result, for she was poor
and frievdless—* And sure I had never taken @ cents’ worth from
any body in 1y life,” she exclaimed, earnestly.
Maternal love, itis said, suggested the device to shield a son from
disgrace, for who would credit a felon’s testimony on any subject?
‘What was her assertion worth, compared with the denial of a rem
pectable family? A few weeks after she entered the prison, her cbild
‘was born. The ladies there, she said, called it Eugene. They were
‘very kind, and had always clothed it, to support it she had done extra
work, and the fear of being separated from her child prompted her to
efforts beyond ordinary endurance. He was all she had in the world,
and if he was taken away, she would’ateare what became of her—aod
again she wept. In the prison she never had been reprimanded, and
hher good conduet probably procured for her some leniency with re-
gard toher child. Now she was free, all she wanted was a service
pplace where she could have Eugene. She was willing to work hard
for any wages, 50 that she could have her child. “ Would you be
willing to go to the country?” “ Indeed, and 14 rather go to the
‘country, ladies, for he would be safe there. He ran away yesterday
fea}
No. 198.] 249
and Twas lost for a while—th
look for him, and T ran out and found hits in a wens aru,
The man said he was his ebild, but J snatched him ag
gentleman that stood hy sai it warn likely
he cried so—Uh! I was so frightened.”
1@ matron sent women all round to
orying
way, and a
hhe was his child, when
Poor neglected waif! Cast upon the troubled sea of life,
not the sanctifying influence of a ee
: Mother lve fer he fees
iy keep her the path of ay had wae cal
Sen et fate hd nny dw pean eel Us are
ig the pret "Tn is ch cy wife owed cranes ea
Bitering to every clan fasting honsan ently
have found uncontaminated shelter except at the prisoners’ Home ?
This qmstionlnvoler an. imeran te chia se ome
‘il ncewse pate sympathy oar ak aa, amieed
ile id equi for ia ea
The following account written by a f
viten by a former inmate of the Home,
isa simple recital of facts, aie
toate. May, 1849,
Dear Madeam—You wished ae 10 give you sketch of the lt
Mrs C., which for toilyrevone 1 tal coll ies haa ae
said my pen will fail ( do. justice to that awful scene You ae
wall aware that my unforunaie propensity to dre he ean
tobe an inmate ofthe prison on a great many soanten nya
seems that God has spared me to witness a Great many thrilling
tracy, but Cnet remember to hve wlinasel eae ty ae
setore than the fllowing tha Thal Tey by oon
outa yeas ago as inthe fale department of he prion
we the ber Potion of tnforonte feng scoop
there was brought one day a fine looking woman, some twen
Yas ol, tw be paced vnder the cre of Ee
Bion, (well Known terpeancendsoate) by ue meas he
Scot ey had trial every moans in her poe eat ee
fs repent on, bt van he toner ha ned
at She was the only dvgier af ¢bghip tat
‘Me widow ladys her father ded when she war quien, PE
Slawyer, I believe. She hud received a good education” and coe
re received» good ection and ek
suowed vith oany goo! shining qualities tat ceenet han
"ind ad auatatnce, Ste ad manied ther seep
enty-five
keeper of the
250 |Asseumes
ot happiness that this world ean bestow, and her husband seemed all
her heart could wish or desives but le, alas! was not the oue she
should have welded, for he was wealeinled and gay, aud wished
her to partake of all his amusements and felliess he was not a
drunkard when he marvieil het, bit he usell to go ato cainpany that
rank, till he learned to Gpp'e with any of them. Whenever she
reproached hit for his eonduct, he would laugh and tell ber she
was # cold-hearted womans and he woul iruluce her to take a glass
of wine to raise her spirits, She was of that yielding disposition
that looked with partial eye on all her husband’ failings, and would
do any thing to please him: so she began to like wine for the ex-
bilarating influence it hud on her, and when any thing went wrong
she flew to that for consolation. But why need I write how, step
Dy step, she became a drunkard, for her story is the story of bune
reds; how she began to lose caste in society; how whispers went
rounds how shame began, and she diank deeper to forget ally how
her friends dropped off one Ly ouey and at last her busband left ket
003 for though men do drink, ey do not like a drunken wifel I
said all had left her, no not all, for there was her mother-—and what
will not a mother do for her only and erring child? but tears and
pretense fol is he cure) sh altos apes weber an
child’s only remaining friend, a temperance man, persuaded her
mother to place her under the eare of Mr. E. in prison, where she
would have time to wean herself from the degrading vice of deink.
She felt her weakness and was willing to do any thing to save het-
self; but how foolish is self-reliance without the aid of reli
She, however, remained two or three months in the care of Mr. B.,
and her husband promised to provide for her, and to take the plelge
imself if she would adhere to her resolution of amendment, which
‘she had promised to do; he took apartments for her and they weat
to live together. That was the last I heard of her till I saw her on
her death-bed, and such a bed!! A year bad rolled around, and T
again was an inmate of the prison: when Miss F., the kind tat.on,
asked me if I remembered Mrs. C.; T said, yess she said “stop a
moment, for Iam going to get some crackers and mille for her.”
L expected to sve her looking badly, but I was not prepared to wile
ness the dreadful scene that was presented to my view, When I
approached the cell { saw an awful looking object that shocked me.
Instead of the elegant Mrs. C. there lay a miserable being apparently
in the lost agonies of death. I approached and called her by name,
which seemed to arouse her, and I lifted her head to give her some
nourishment, but she could not swallow anything s she seemed t0
251
know me; T adkeit
er if she know she
forget the start me ve
Tole of horror she gave rer acy ous eee wil
nt baud come when she was summoned before an offended Gal
recognise her at fast, she w
did all in her power to save be
al save hers
OF that roany could witness chat
Of ntemperance, before the
{Assemmuy 5 PS
OFFICERS? CORRESPONDENCE
Association of New-York, For the purpose of obtaining more specific information in relation
to the results of the different modes of punishment and_ imprison
ment unger the administration of the different States, the correspond-
CATHERINE M, SEDGWICK, Ist Directress ing secretary has addressed letters to the wardens and keepers of all
SARAH P. DOREMUS, ad de. the Penitentiaries and Houses of Refuge throughout our country for
ANNA I. H. FITCH, Troueurer, ‘the purpose of obtaining the reports of their several institutions, and
CAROLINE M. KIRKLAND, Corresponding Secretary. such other information as they might have it in their power to com-
HANNAH UNDERHILL, Recording Secrctary monieate. He also addressed circular enquiries to many of our best
; regulated county prisons. The results of this correspondence have
Bxeculive Committe, been the receipt of reports from nineteen of our State prisons (a
Sarah Edmonds, 8. Platt comparative view of the statsties of which is given under the head
“Abby H. Gibbons, Elizabeth Manning, of prison discipline,) reports or communications from all our houses
Mary Manoin ‘Amy Hawshurst, of refuge, nd communications from several of our county prisons.
Sarah F. Hicks, Esther Marsh, Letters were also addressed to. the Secretaries of State of those
Esther Mead, Ruth S. Dill, States which have not adopted the plan of establishing penal in
‘Ann Eliza Bondy Caroline Salter, tutions under the charge of the State, for any returns which may
ae Days Susan B. Day, have been tmade to the Legislature in relation to the state and con
Roth Beatty, Margaret Sedgwick, the ansivers herein communicated it would appear that no return is
Loanna Hall, Anna Curtis, ever required, or any knowledge possessed by the executive depart-
Tones Hout, E. B. Ingalls, ment in most, if not all, of these States, either in relation to the
Frances Emery, Bawa Pollard, umber of criminals, kind of crime, or other statistics important for
Catharine Maria Ellis, E.R. Mavor, wise and discriminating legislation.
Catharine C. Halsted, Caroline C. Smith,
Eliza Vanderimyden, Mary Cooke Hah EB A:
M. Tracy, Dear Sir: Your favor of the 3d instant is received, and I regret
is not in my power to give the desired infornition There is in
the State of North Carolina, seventy-seven counties, and every county
Hon. J. W. Estaonds, John Duet, tas its prison or jail, and manage them as they please, and are not
Yeane T. Hopper ‘John D. Russ, M. required {o make any report of the prisoners confined therein, or the
Hichard Reet, crimes for which they are confined. There is a superior court in
cach county every six months, when prisoners are tried for capital
Matron ofences, ‘The county courls nce held generally every thee month,
‘Saran Woo. ‘when prisoners are tried for small offence.
Yours respectllly,
Assistant. Matrons, . HILL,
Jou D. Ross, Bxg., Cor. See. Prison Assoc.
Of the Female Department of the Priso
1850.
Advisory Commitee,
Sanast Pouwtox, Avs 8. Ponirox.
a ecensrsiy omit par of he rpor, the nt wa ot frat
soul Sark partion had one trees
Be [Assume
Tatoos, Pay 21, 180.4
2 the CorerpntingStrtary
OF the Prism Aerio, N¥
Sir: In reply to your letter of the 9d inst. T have fo state that we
have no State prisons, and I regret to say that our Legislature bas
never taken any steps towards effecting so desirable an object as a
complete plan for obtaining n correct estimate of criminal statistics.
Tam also sorry to say that £ have but little information in my pos
session which could at all aid you in your proposed plan, By ref-
erence and application to the clerks and sheriffs of the
counties, you may obtain much infermation such as you desire
It is greatly to be hoped that our Legislature, (which will meet
next winter,) will take action upon this important subject and doubt-
less it will do so.
It gives me great pleasuee, with the concurrence of his Excellency
the Governor, to send you by this day’s mail, a copy of Thompson's
Digest of the laws of this State, and also one copy of the acts of
this State, passed since the compilation of said Digest. These con-
tain all the laws in force relative to crimes, &c.
Respectfully,
C.'W. DOWNING,
Seely State.
Deraurwent or Stave, 7
Auatin, Texas, 23d April, 1800. §
Dear Sir; Yours of Feb. 8d was duly received, and would have
een ausirered earlier had J not delayed! my reply with the hope that
T might obtain a portion at least of the infortoation you requested
in a shape that would be serviceable; but I find affer many en
Guitics, that no details of our prison system can be had which would
Be worth communicating, Indeed, watil within the last 18. months
‘we may be said to bare had no system, Olfenders against the
Criminal laws of the country were tried in the counties in which the
offences were committed, and punished according to the grade of
‘their offences in the counties where tried. These punishments ranged
tal (for_mnueder) down to petty fines, few of them were by
confinement in priscn, and those only inthe county jail. No reportol
these punishments was made to any department, except as to the
amount of fines collected, About 15 months since our penitentiary
“>
No. 198.) 255
qystem went into operation. It was organized upon the ordinary
plan of southern institutions of that deseription, and is yet too much
in its infancy to be capable of furnishing much in the way of sta
tistics. During the time it has been in operation, there have not
‘yen more than six convicts sent to it from all parts of the State,
‘whose tefms of punishment are varied from one to five years. OF
this number there have been no deaths or sickness, no ens¢s of insan~
ity, no pardons, no discharges, aud of course no recommitments.
The persons confined are invariably white, Their moral attitude
heretofore has been upon rather a low scale, and their offences prin-
cipally larceny.
Every species of crime, except treason and murder, are, by the
laws of the State, punishable by confinement inthe penitentiary.
Mislemesnors of a minor grade are punished by fine. ‘Treason and
ininder inthe fst degree by death, ‘The discipline of the penit
Giary i mikd but strict. ‘Tho conviets are put to laboe. The officer?
are one superintendent and three directors, The ‘building is untine
ished, but it contains now ninety cells besides workshops and an
enclosed yard for exercise and recreation,
Regretting that I cannot furnish you with more satisfactory infor-
tation on the various points of your enquiries,
Tau, very respectfully,
Your ob serv,
JAMES WEBB.
Iowa City, March ith, 1850.
Jons D. Ress, M. D.,
Corresponding Seerotary, &
Dear sir—Your favor of the Ist ultimo, asking copies of the last
annual report of the Towa Penitentinry, came to hand some days
since. Thave also to ackuowledge the receipt of the “Report of
the Prison Association of New-York,” for which T thank you. I
have examined it cacefully, and find it to be e very valuable and
interesting work,
Since my letter to you of August, 1847, (published in your last
report,) but one report has been made by the warden of the pei
tentiary Tt-was made to the General Asser
ray recollection serves me, stated there
ly last winter, and if
xe bt one or two prison
By some oversight the report was not printed with the journals
of the Legislature, and upon examination « the office of the Secre=
256 [Assen
tary of State, I find that neither the original or # copy is on file in
that office. The same is true, I regret to say, of the abstract of the
“criminal returns” of the State for 1848. ‘These reports when
made to either honse of the Legislature, are placed in the hands of
the chief clerks, whose duty it is to superintend the printing of the
Journals, and their loss is attributable to the negligence or ignorance
‘of those officers, of those who had the printing of the journals.
1 am pleased to state it, however, as my decided conviction, that
crime is\ not on the increase in this State. From all that T can
earn, Tam satisfied that the number of convictions have not in
creased, In this county, (Johnson,) for the last two terms of our
district court, the grand jury bas failed to find a single indictment or
Presentiment, and during all that perio, our jail has been tenantlss,
Last winter, Mr. A. H. Haskell was appointed warden of the
penitentiary, and during the past season has been engaged in build-
1 up the prison, for which purpose an appropriation of $20,000
was made by the Legislature, With this som, T learn, the building
is far advanced towards completion, and when finished will be com
fortable as well as safe, At the next session of the Legislature, (se
Thad no session this past winter,) which will commence in December
next, we shall lave full reports upon this subject, copies of which, L
will be at some pains to forward to you.
‘The above is all the information Tam able to atford you on the
subjects mentioned in your letter. And with my best wishes for the
success of yout Association, and the benevolent work in which you
are engaged, I remain,
Respectfully yours,
a.
PENN CLARKE.
Ornice or Seonerany of State,
Madison, Wisconsin, March 27, 1850.
Joux D. Russ, M. D.,
Cor. Secty Prison Ass'n, Centre St., N.Y.
Dr. Sit: Thave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letters of 3d Feb'y and 14th inst. The first came during my absence
from the capital, and was mislaid by the deputy in the office.
very much regret that it is not in my power to furnish you in-
formation to the extent you desire. There is no State prison in this
State. Convicts are confined in county jails nearest the place of
287
conviction. No provision has ever been made for working convicts
to any extent. The State pays yearly to the sheriffs and officers
having them in charge for board, clothing, medical attendance, &e
The price paid for board has been, until the present year, $3.50 per
week. The price is now fixed by statute at $2.50. The whole
number of convicts now in the State will not, it is thought, at this
time exceed fifteen.
No provision whatever exists requiring any officer of other person
to report to any department in relation to State convicts, except
that the Governor is required to report annually to the Legislature
as to the number of pardons granted. The whole number pardoned
fine Wineonsin eeame © Sate in June, 1848, to Tet Jay, 1890,
The total expenses paid by the State for the support of prisoners
forthe same term amgunts tothe sum of $4,100.88
have no means whatever at comand ef foorming you inf
gard to deaths, excape, colo ages, Jngth of sentence or otherwise
futher than above sated, shor of making a thorough seareh of the
recordh of the cours inthe several counties
Several fruitless attempts have been made to locate and erect a
State prison. The dilliculty in the way I consider only this, our
State is young, country new, and so many points seeking the loca-
tion, that it is difficult to settle upon any one. T think, however,
that the next session of the Legislature will make the necessary pro-
Visions for a commencement.
{ne fom your letter of 34 af Feb’ that you deste x eopy of our
criina lave Osr verted tation Contain all Tawe of ery ev
tipion eltive fo criminals aod prison, tat exit in thi Say
ted Tam very gad to haveit tx ty power lo. comply with yout
ithe i tis venpect, and have thie day forwarded you copy pet
Ms. N. Ws Deanyatherehant ofthis plhéey ow bound for your ei.
MD, wi no doubt daiver the sume to you ote tie reacher you.
shall be pleased at any time hereafter to furnish you any infor
mation in my power that you may desire, and have only to regret
that I cannot comply at this time to the full extent of your wishes.
Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv’t
‘WM. A. BARSTOW,
[Assembly, No. 198.] w BRAS re
[Asso B
HOUSES OF REFUGE.
Stare Rayon Scoot, Massactussrts,
‘Treasurer's Report.
‘The treasurer charges himself from Dec. 1, 1848, to Nov. 80, 1849,
inclusive, as follows:
For amouats received from the State treasury, $25,000 00
For amounts received from the superintendent,
Balance carried to new account
dhe extita Vise with bance doe Nov. 90, 1868-++ $172 17
Th for the following payments
Mele ether, a waters for soe shop,
Puldegy improvements and reps
Bare wage aT
Sait Te atc and inproveens on fay
Poel and lightsros=-==
Provisions and grote
Books, stionery an! penting
Forntore an bedog
Ca
‘Peampocatia and road eight
Posts
Miscellanens,
No. 198.) 259
Showing the number of admissions, and general state of the insite
tion, from Dec. 1st, 1848, to Nov. 30th, 1849.
Boys in the house, at commencement of year, Dec. 1, 1818 ,-- 93
Received since, au
Number in the house during the year, 334
Discharged, 2
ing, Nov. 20, 1849, 310
Remai
Three hundred and eleven boys have been committed during the
year, which is about one for every week day.
Of those discharged, seven were apprenticed to various‘trades and
employments. Two were discharged by the board; one a French
boy, unable to speak the English language, desirous to return to his
parents in Bordeaux. The other was permitted to accompany his
parents who were leaving the State.
Nine were remanded or rejected, as improper subjects ; two of
xhich were idiotic, and most of the others over sixteen years of age.
Two were delivered to Boston Municipal Court, by authority of
Inbeas corpus, to receive a change of sentence. Two were dis
clarged on expiration of sentence.
‘The disposal of boys, by apprenticeship, is of high importance and
sponsibility; involving, to a great extent, their future prospects
for respectability and usefulness, Much depends upon the character
and parental faithfulness of the individual to whom they may be
indented, as well as upon surrounding influences, For should they
be again located so as to be subjected to the same bad influences as
tefore admission, they will be very likely to fall into their former
vicious habits.
An embarrassinent frequently arises from the change in publ
wali
‘eding in the family of their master, receiving amoral and
trining, as well as mechanical instruction. More recently, me=
‘hanicseimploy boys and young men, at particular branches of trade,
‘or timited. periods, allowing them to boaed where they may, and
s 260 [Assexecr
conduct themselves, when not employed, as they choose, This course
fs injurious to the young, especially the naturally vicious and mis-
guided youth, who need constant, steady, parental control and in-
struction.
Owing to the short time since the school was opened, but litle
hhas been done in binding out boys.
We now have many promising boys, who are, or will soon be,
ready for apprenticeship,
Offences of all committed during the year ending Nov. 30, 1819,
and previously
For larceny, 0 OT
Stubbornness, 4
Tale and disorderly 3
Vagrancy,~ -
Shopbreaking and stealing,«
Housebreaking and stealing,
Burglary,
Shopbreaking, with intent to steal,
Pilfering,.
Having obscene books and prints, for
cireulation, -
Common drunkaris
Malicious mischie!
Ll ow nw Ben
‘The above table shows that larceny and stubbornness, in about
equal proportion, are the causes of the greatest number of commit
ments. It should be remarked that the charge of stubbornness oft
covers many other crimes. Generally, there is more hope of refors
faa lad guilly of some petty Iarceny, or even of a higher offence,
than of the really stubborn child, made so by injadicious parental
No. 198.} 261
Many lads have been led into theft under strong temptations, fre-
quently oving to parental neglect, who readily yield to wholesome
iscipline and instruction, and to the parental care exercised over
them in the institution
One great cause of crime among youth, especially in our large
towns anit cities, is fruancy. The incorrigible uuant, who has be-
ome familiar with horse racing, the bowling saloon, the theatrical
exhibitions, and other similar places of amusement, debauchery and
crime, (where too many of our youth are daily to be found,) is a
niost unfavorable subject for reform.
Showing the length of the time of sentences, the past and previous
year,
; 1869, Previously. ‘Tota.
During their minority, 97 247
Until twenty years old.
“fourteen
238
8
1
16
3
ry
18
3
4
5
2
1
an
Daring the first part of the year, many were sent for short periods;
It, as the public have became more enlightened, as to the character
and true objects of the institution, this evil has, to some extent, been
tomecteds though we still have boys sent in for short terms.
We are confident in making the assertion, that short terms of
‘eatence have an injurious effect.
Nativity, sixty-six foreigners, (wo hundred and sixty-eight natives.
Of the two bundred and sixty-eight born in the United States,
sinety-six were of Irish parentage, three of English, and one of
262 [Asser
German, The remaining one hundred and sixty-cight comprises one
‘more than half the whole number committed.
Ages of Boys when committed.
Previously. Tot
7 years of age, =
se
Unknown, -==0+«
eee
Average age, about 123 years
‘Though most of the boys are committed during their minority, it
is not expected they will remain in the school, for any longer period
than is needful to prepare them to make good farmers and mechanics,
by apprenticeship. Neither is it our design to instruct them, while
here, in the business they are to follow in after life.
Our present plan is, to school, discipline, and morally and zelig-
iourly instruct them, as a means of correcting their faults, and pr-
paring them for apprenticeship ; and when they make choice of the
Kind of trade, or employment, they wish to follow, to indent them
to persons of ‘respectable character, in the country, away from thelt
former corrupting influences. By this means, the good swork, whic,
‘we may hope, has commenced here, will be earried out around the
family fireside, while mingling with such associates as the good sense
of the master may approve.
In the management of the institution, we have ever felt a core
public sentiment, or feeling, among the pupils, to be highly necer
‘sary. To this end, we have endeavored, as far as practicable, t0
render the school, in all its departments, ax much unlike a prison a
No, 198)” 263
poisibles to lead them to forget the past, and look forward with
hope to the future. Tt is often the case, that a lad, who hes mingled
such with vice, feels himself forsaken by the virtaous; that, though
‘there may be opportunity for others to rise, for Aim, there is litle
‘or no hope, on account of his known bad character. Such need
tuoch encouragement,—much moral and careful training, —to bring
{nfo action the dormant energies of the mind, to lead them to put
forth sufficient effort to overcome temptation
Every kind attention, and the tender treatment, which they may
receive, from those who have the control of them, strikes a chord in
their hearts, which calls into action their better feelings, and pre
pares them for receiving and appreciating the good counsel of the
instructor or master,
‘The pupils are divided, gs far as labor is concerned, into three
departments, viz., farming, mechanical, and domestic. During the
summer, about one-fourth have been employed in our farming opera-
tions,—one-ffth in the various domestic operations, which includes
cooking, baking, wasbing, ironing, and the care of the domitories,
school rooms, &e., and the remainder at some mechanical employ.
ment.
We have made the labor on the farm a reward for good behavior,
45 far as practicable, by selecting those for farmers, whose good
conduct merits our approbation, and by alternating from the shop to
the farm, giving those usually employed in the shop or domestic
department, an opportunity to labor a few days occasionally upon
the farm. ‘This has operated well,—affording an agreeable change
inlabor. Their time for each day is divided, by devoting four hours
to instruction in school, in two sessions of two hours each; six hours
to labor, in two sessions of three hours each; five and one-half hours
© moral and religious instruction, recreation and miscellaneous *
duties, and eight and one-balf to sleep.
‘The discipline of the institution has been a matter of great sol
tude; with no established system in operation, and with a very 1
inorease of the inmates, it has been more difficult to manage the i
stitution successfully, than will be the case hereafier,
We adopt the grade system. This system consists of four grades,
designated by the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4,—1 being the highest grade,
When a boy enters the institution, he is placed in the third grade;
if bis conduct is bad, after admonition, he is degraded as a punish
aa [Asmar
rent, tothe forth, —if good after a proper time, he ix promoted 1
the second; and. should he continee to improve in his conic, Be
ters the frst graite, but not until he has been in the schoo
months
ciefiegialst
wa ane» he shih inact the bight ak
eae ee He Fa pment eugene fm et
Oe a go ne relat al oft propre Dt
Fa, Toe Sihels moral standing entirely, and are appli
te conf tt mer ra rum, ho inte soy BAY
ia be
eee ee cesar with character Meh ms
bis daly sting ory i aly, hough oct my
ee a bpm hs a moch grt eft th
fhe most severe corporal punisbaent. It leads them to value d i
the most sere corer Drader show’ the cae
rater tin he an
tment for oferes 56 not infcted a he tine of tee com
in et ser department a resord is made of ll cses of
isi a all howe worthy of commendation, nd the
misdemeanor, athe pesece of the boys every evening, and then
ser nlc roprand sey ov in ag as a2
panko Teenie. Fv thin eon he grade at
ie Corporal pshment an coufnerment re i>
reorganized ee au grndeyand then only a6 a lat resort
Tittle self-respect, therefore great effort is made to lead ther to
eage of returning promptly. and observing the regulations of the
lyin foro tye couinement of a prison; they become interested ia
No. 198.] 265
our affairs, and speak of our farm, our cattle, &c., as though they
were interested in their proper management,—which conld not be
the case if they considered themselves watched in every movement.
We have sent out parties of boys to labor on distant parts of the
farm, placing one of their number 8 monitor to direct in their work,
‘and have realized much assistance in the labor of our farm by this
plan. We daily send boys to the village, to mill, and to towns
around us, on business. Some of those who were sent here for lar
cceny, bave been trusted to pay and collect bill
Most of the carting of our supplies has been done by the boys,
taking the entire charge of a two-horse team. Though our con-
fidence has been generously bestowed, it hag ever been rewarded by
their faithfulness. We grant them many privileges for good conduct.
School Department-—The school departiaent has been in the im-
mediate charge of Rev. T. D. P. Stone, with four assistants, He
remarks as follows:
“One great object in arranging the details of the school room
has been to secure the power and habits of attention to study,—to
promote self-respect, and induce pupils to make efforts to gain the
love, confidence and respect of others.
“The relative standing of pupils, as to mental culture, is desig
nated by foor grades. These are divided, the two lowest into four
classes; each of the others into theee classes.”
‘There has been some attention to declamation, singing, and
writing, and a small class bas recently commenced the study of alge-
bra, The school is divided into two departments, accomodated in.
two large school rooms, with a recitation room connected with each.
So far as employment is concerned, we have Inbored under great
disadvantages; as we commenced the year with no established plan,
and our shops were without tools. Itsoon became necessary to de-
cide upon some mechanical employment, for those who could not
profitably be employed on the farm, The selection of the business
to be carried on in our shops, suitable for the boys, was a subject of
much deliberation. It was thought advisable, on the whole, to open
twa shops; one to make and repair their clothes, bedding, &e., and
nother for manufacturing and closing boots and shoes. ‘The ope-
tations of both are herewith submitted.
No, 198] 266
Manufactured 8,082 pars sboes, and closed 14,364 pairs boots and
shoes.
Amount received for shoes sold, 4840 01
« «closing boots and shoes,
‘of work done for Institution,
shoes now on hand)
stock -
Expended for stock, during + $3,689 71
“tools, and furnishing shop,---- 465 72
«wages and board of overseer, 398 50
$2,553 93
Deduct present value of toolsy- 372 8
————_ 3181 35
Balance in favor of shop, + $650 37
==
‘The sewing shop has been managed by a matron, with one assist”
ant. ‘During the earlier part of the year, owing to the rapid increase
Sf boys, and their want of experience in sewing, we were unatle 16
ce their clothing as fast as needed; consequently, were obliged
fo procure ther assistance; but we hope hereafter, to be able te
RoFiah all necessary clothing. To this shop, we have usuelly placed
the smallest boys.
‘The following stetement, we gather from the matron’s monthly
reports, showing what has been accomplished in this department:
‘Made 331 jackets, Made 326 pillow-cases,
«632 pairs pants, «204 pillows,
suspenders, 280 bed spreads,
socks, “26 towels,
226 aprons, «2 curtains,
48 handkfs. hemmed, 400 pairs socks run,
718 shirts, 261 knit jackets finished,
222 hats bound, Repaired 1108 jackets,
234 blankets bound, + 4681 pairs pants,
432 sheets, « 1068 socks,
260 bed-ticks, «© qai7 shirts.
Ce
No, 198,] + 267
Farm.—uch of the labor of th
J abor of those employed on the fam, as
Kelas taealianase
caltvation of fut and vegetables forthe market Fhe tos ha
carly part of the season, their labor was comparatively worthless,
ows an ernest hy hve wale Ft
fhe NaneE of the steward, have become very useful
The following statement is submitted,
intents |, showing the result of our
‘Number of days work, 7447}, 3146 of which have been expend
‘ed on the several improv i
oa the Sein poral ot aelaby coer te
37 tons English bay, valued
26“ meadow «
10 “ corn fodder,
5“ oat straw,
821 bushels potatoes, 50 bushel,
pai oa
oats
rye
dry pease
dry beans
English turnips,
Swedish
beets
carrots
2600 pumpkins valued at
2398 Ibs. pork =
397 Ibs. veal
1186 Ibs. beef
300 cabbages
6641 gallons milk,
582 Ibs. butter
60 cords of wood
Garden vegetables, winter squashes, &e.
$3,181 04
268 [Assanmey
Health: —The bealth of our family has been remarkatie ao
has been no case of sickness of any importance, except the measles,
and the disorders consequent upon it
Aare required to bathe their entire perions, once a week in 9
bath of about blood beat, in winter, and 28 often, or oftener in the
snd in summer. This, together with regular babits of diet, out,
pond Ue teie nad general contentment has tended 10 give 0 good
herlth, At the date of this report, there isnot one of the three buns
drel and ten boys connected with our family, who is unable
tend segularly 0 bis labor and schoo dates." There bas not been
tase requiring the aid of @ physician, for more than fre months.
most of which has been furnished through
fe have @ small Hibrar
oe sr nitgals, to whom we retder our grateful ack-
the benevolence of indi
nowledgments.
Besides the books received, we have been favored by the kindness
‘of the editors and conductors of newspapers and others, with a weekly
of the itn oo ey ae give ot oul amily mic pea
ure.
5 ses fmperting much wef
‘The boys read them with interests Dede imparting mich
i ae aner the mind of the oy from his pst vicious
information, (earehat ib ranspting in the word, and thei infor
cuce on hig character tends to prepare him to be « good citizen,
aigious Execs ond Sith Scho —The genial of the
enc chaplain, Our religious services consist of morte
scooh le the cee i these romm and on te Sabbath,
fog avd evening, pe ,
tog 208 far nevis, bod Sabbath school in the ebapel
ut
uch interest has been manifested in the Sabbath school. Abe
eS oom mngregations in our vicinity, have kindly
cnty fencer fro theo
rae ae oerices We regard the Sabbath sthol as 2 val
rsa in the work in which we are engaged:
meee WILLIAM R. LINCOLN,
Superintendent
No. 198.]
House or Reronwariox,
ton, January 224, 1850.
atl
To Jowe D. Russ, M. D., d
Cor, See. Pris, Ass'n, N.Y.
Bear Sir: Yours of the 15th inst. was duly received and should
have commanded earlier attention had not important business pre~
vented. To its contents I would reply, that the inst i
the west wing of the building that was originally erected for its
sole use. This wing is about 54 ft. by 45, and is three stories high.
The third story contains the sleeping apartments of the boys, which
is 41 ft, by 254, and 21 ft. high, having three tiers of dormitories
on the east side, each dormitory being 7 ft. by 4 and 7 fi. highs
and being separately ventilated. ‘Those boys who cannot be accom
dated in the dormitories; occupy bunks in the body of the apartment.
The second story contains the school room, which is 41 f. by 254,
and 104 fi. high, a wanlroom, in which the boys’ clothes are kept,
and a hospital room. The first story contains the dining room, and
a play rocm which was formerly used as a workshop. ‘The base-
‘ment contains the washing and bathing apparatus which is very con-
venient. The boys are required to wash their faces and hands at
least three times a day, and oftener if necessary; to bathe the
entire persons, certainly once a week in a warm bath in winter and
in the sea in summer. The remaining rooms in the wing, not men~
tioned above, are used as private rooms for the officers and for gene~
ral purposes. The workshop is a separate building about sixty feet
from the main building and is 70 ft. by 30 ani 10 fe. high, being
raised about 10 ft. from the level of the play ground, affording an
‘opportunity for the boys to play under it in stormy weather.
x
Since the year 1841, at which tine the institution ceased to be an
entirely independent establishment, and became a department of the
House of Iadustry, its concerns have been so intimately connected
with those of that institution, that it is impossible to give a per=
fectly accurate estimate of its gross expenses or the expense of each
boy. The making, mending, washing and ironing of the clothes,
and also the baking are done at the House of Industry.
There are in the immediate charge of the boys three officers. The
first, whose duty it is to teach the school and attend to the general
interests of the boys, receives 500 dolls, and his board. The second,
who has charge of the workshop, and renders such other assistance
a8 is necessary, receives 360 dolls. and his board. The third, who
270 [Assemany
sleeps with the boys and superintends the domestic work, &e., re-
ceives 240 dolls, and his board. This class of boys needs constant
supervision, the mere presence of un officer being sufficient to pre-
vent what a dozen could not remedy; consequently we make it a
point to have an officer with them all the time.
‘There are now in the institution 46 boys between the ages of 10
and 17, three of whom are colored. Five only were born of Amer
ican parents Our number is quite small on account of most of the
‘commitments for a year past having been made to the State school
‘at Westboro. We have accommodations for about 80 boys, and the
same number of officers that we have now would be sufficient to
manage them.
All the boys are required to labor six hours a day; those who are
capable of being engaged in the manufacture of men’s, women’s and
children’s light shoes, of which they made during the year ending
Nov. 30t , 1849, 65,022 prs, yielding the institution, $1,084.10.
Those who on account of age are not able to make shoes, are em~
ployed in knitting, and at domestic work; the knitters have made 240
rs. of socks. There are also about 60 acres of land connected with
the establishment, upon which the boys are required to labor during
the summer, as their services are needed, performing the lighter kinds
of work. I consider this and also the cultivation of flowers, as mat-
ters of much importance to this class of boys; they are exceedingly
beneficial to their health, contributing to their enjoyment, and have
a tendency to cherish a love of nature, and thereby refine and elevate
their tastes and feelings.
Mast of the boys are committed for petty larcenies, others for
stubborness, vagraney, &c. They are committed for no specified
time, but when it is deemed expelient they are indented to trades in
the country. As to the time that the boys should remain before
being apprenticed, it should not be limited, but should be left to the
discretion of those having immediate charge of them; for some, one
year and even less is sufficient, others need two, three and four, and
it would be well for others to spend their lives in such a place, though
it would not be best for the school.
A system of grades or classes, founded upon the daily conduct of
the boys, is the principal means employed in maintaining proper dis-
cipline; the higher grades being granted certain privileges which are
Aenied the lower. The punishments inflicted upon boys in the higher,
are generally, bad marks and loss of grade; in the lower, deprivation
of play, feruling on the hand and confinement.
No. 198.) an
They rise at 5 o'clock and retire at 84,
hours are devoted to labor, 4 to school, an
(which consist in reading of the scripture
evening.) incidental duties and recreation,
‘throughout the year, Six
1d 5} to religious exercises,
sand prayer, morning and
On’ the sabbath we have one rei
bath school, in which instruct
from churches of various denomii
gular religious service and a sabe
n is given to the boys by teachers
inations in the city.
The boys usually enjoy remarkable health; there has been
death for about three years. LS Ri a
Though there are exceptions, yet the majority of those who leave
us turn out well, and afford ample encouragement to laborers in this
‘important work.
Respectfully yours,
FRIEND CRANE, Sup’t Ho, of In. and Ref.
By Jas. 0. Brown, Teacher of Ho. Ref.
House or Reruce, New-Your.
Report.
The whole number of children received
since its establishment in. 1824, is,
The whole number in the House on”
1849, was, -
There was received during the year,
to the House of Refuge
2 4663,
the first day of January,
: 355
303
Making a total for 1849, of- 658
The number remaining on the Ist Jan. 1850, i. 338
Leaving the number disposed of during the year 1849,-- 320
About two years since, the ma
inthe pio Sina atthe managers applied for» pancpation
ich was granted.
“ihe expense of instructors, recitation rooms, books and stationery,
is about equal tothe apportionment made the
Board of Education. ue AEGEE ove tr ie
The boys are placed under the charge of cont:
actors, who emplo
them, part in making cane-sest maple chairs, a ing
nd others in making
272 [ssn
pocket-books, razor strops, spectacle cases and goods of a similar
Aescription, thus acquiring a trade which may be useful to them in
after lifes their labor produces 113 cents per day.
The girls are employed in making shirts, washing and mending
for the boys, and with the large family in the house, after deducting
the hours they are in school, say from 4 to 4} hours, gives thera full
employment
‘Thus far, this institution has continued prosperously to carry on the
great work of reformation; and the question now presents itself, im
‘what way can the operations of this society be extended and its use-
faluess more generally promoted? This subject has been heretofore
referred to, and it may not be out of place again to direct attention
to it. The premises we now occupy, are not adequate to our present
wants, no definite classification ean be maintained—no proper dis-
tinction established between the childien; and the want of sufficient
accommodations by which these desirable benefits could be secured,
has been severely felt by the managers, and during the past summer,
the board were obliged to close their doors, and refuse to receive
those who were the proper subjects of the Refuges while other ine
stitutions, having in view the same objects which we are endeavor-
ing to accomplish, have been liberally provided for in these respects,
this institution, the most important of all, is left with the same pro-
vision originally made for its u
The ladies committee continue to manifest the same interest in the
welfare, and to bestow the same careful supervision over the inmates
as formerly. This department, under these favorable auspices, warmly
merits the approbation of the friends of the institution,
Physician’s Report.
‘The deaths were as follows: One from typhus fever, (wo from
‘consumption, one from disease of the heart, one from diarrhoea, one
from tabes mesenterica, and three from cholera. Of these, five were
girls and four boys.
During the fist six months of the year, the health of the inmates
of the Refuge was unusually good; a few only of the diseases incl-
dent to children having occurred among them, and those of @ mild
character, With the single exception of a very malignant ease of 1
pphus fever, which terminated fatally on the 28th of June,
No. 198,] 213
During the year, mote than four hundred patients were admitted
into the hospitals; this number of course included all the cases of
relapse, and the diferent times each individual entered the hospital
besides there were many prescribed for with bowel complaints, who
were not included in the hospital reports. More than four-fiths of
all the ‘patients were attacked with bowel complaints, varying in
foci from a simple diarrhea, to the most aggravated stage of cho-
Jera asphyxia.
Some twenty cases of fever, and a few of dysentery succeeded the
cholera, some of which were severe and difficult of cure, but fortu-
nately, none of them proved fatal. Sitaultaneously with the fevers
three very severe cases of purpura occurred, which very reluctantly
yielded 0 treatment, and the patients got well.
About twenty eases of ophthatmia also occurred, which have all
been cured.
Teacher's Report of Boy's School.
Nearly every child has been taught to read and write, to spell and
define; and the great majority of them, enough of arithmetic and
geography, for tLe ordinary concerns of life
From some cause, to us unknown, the great mass of children com-
mitted the past year, have been ally ignorant. Whilst the
means of education are increasing, thools are multiplying in
every direction, we ought to lock for different results
Our numbers are chiefly made up of two classes, truants from other
schools, and newly arrived foreigners.
The former have frequently attended seven or eight different schools
cach a few days or weeks, ‘and then * played the truant” twice as
long, and sought another school.
The latter having just arrived upon our shores, and finding no
friendly hand to lead them to our schools, or procure for them em-
ployment, mingle in the streets with the most depraved part of our
juvenile popolation.
Every year brings us fresh assurances, that the instructions given
here, are appreciated in after life, and attended with an incaloulable
amount of good.
[Assembly, No. 193 18
ay [Assexmy
The institution of the House of Refuge, in its educational depart
ment, is, in every sense of the word, a Manual Labor School,”
here are called into vigorous exercise the physical intellectual and
moral faculties. No one of these is cultivated at the expense of 1
other two, nor any two of them at the expense of the remaining ones
Dut all harmoniously together.
It is easy to see that we might make strong and robust constitu-
tions, without in any way relorming the children, end saving them
to their friends and s And it is equally obvious that if all
were done that could be done to cultivate the physical and intellect~
tual powers together, it would only make them skillful, cunning; and
wise to plan, and strong to execute their plans of villainy.
Teacher's Report of Girls? Schoot
‘The number of girls at present in the female department is 70.
OF these do not know the Alphabet,--
spell and read words of four letters,
read in easy lessons,
read in books generally,
read well
Forty-five write on paper, and all receive instruction in outline
geography. The girls have committed to memory the pact Year,
14,580 verses of ‘scripture, and have repeated $32 Hymns.
The Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delin'wents, in account
swith Joshua 8. Underhill, Trensw er.
Da,
304%, Jan. 2, To cash paid for foil ant poisons
nsf sett maton teary
ysiian, chaplain aod ait
Ciottng forthe eiren,
Faraitare, bade and besiagy
Baling tnt repatess eeneees
uel sn igh
School expenten, books sn stationery) cn
Horses, carly carriages ani stable expense
omit expentes ani medicines
Printing anaual report
ani books, printing and powtazey coe.
Returning eildrea to fiends, ni ous to bays
oing to a8, Re, cs
care of committer ro07,
Paid overt Gaance commiie,
Jan. 1, 180, To balance dae the society,
No. 198. } 276
cn.
1819, Jan 3, By balance the society, feom last years acount,
‘Casn trom contractors forthe labor of the chilean,
From Comptroller ofthe Stacy
Corporation f the ty of New or fam ce
Board of Blueationy ‘
Theatre and circus lcences,
Ban
_ The whole number of children received in
since sbi n 896 oh” Mae of Rete
The nutaber of children i
1850, was as follows,
White boys,
White girls,
Colored boys, «+
Colored girls,
the institution on the Ist of January,
Parentage of 217 white chiiven received during the year 1849,
American, . 69 :
14
- 134
16
- 6
Spanish, Z
Welch,-
6
2
1
Americans 69, Foreigners 178, total, 247
Ages of 26 chitren recived turing the jer 189
$ ver 8 yon lt 18 brought ora
é 82 "were 18 yea old
Bo inks te yee
a is
3
% 2
Es t
188 carried forward, 266
Average age, 13 years 9 months and 27 days,
276
Employment of the Children.
in working from the
During the year, the boys lhave been employed in working
Toulon cha seat ames, an ling them with ae prepared
by the children, and in manofacturing daguereotype cases, spectacle
cases, razor stops, pocket books and other articles
‘The boys make and mend all the shoes ; and the washing, making,
and mending for the whole family, is done Ly the children,
“Matron’s Report of works done in the Female House during the year
1819,
Frocks made, -
Shirts “
Aprons
Skirts © ++
Chemises made, «
Sheets“
Comfortables made,
Quilts
Pillow vases
Suspenders
Bed ticks
Rollers
Towels,
Spreads
Handkerchiefs hetned
Iron holders made,
Loose gowns made, «
Comfortable covers made, ~ 182
Mattresses covered, 12
Curtains made, setts, 4
Stockings eun, pairs, 843
Shots bound, 166
Garments repaired, 22,497
Stockings 7,384
Pieces: washed,- > 107,549
Westens Hovst of Reruos,
Rochester, Jan. 28, 1850.
To Jou D. Russ, M. Dy
Cor, Sec. Pris. Ass°n. -
Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th inst. was duly received, and I
have great pleasure in answering your several inquiries.
No. 198.] 277
The “ Westem House of Refuge” was opened for the reception of
boys on the 1th day of August last.
The law establishing the House, authotises the managers to make
provisicn for the reception of girls; but no such provision has. a3
yet béen made and probably will not be until after additional
ings shall have been erected for boys.
The institution is beautifully located near the banks of the Gen-
esee river, about one mile north of the city, on an eminence com=
manding a fine view of the city, the surrounding country and Lake
Ontario.
There are 42} acres of excellent land attached, 10 of which are
devoted to pasturage, 98 acres are enclosed with a stockade fence,
10 ft. in height, and are designed to be eultivated by the inmates,
and 4 acres are enclosed witha stone wall 20 feet high.
Within this latter enclosure are all the buildings except the barn,
and the grounds are handsomely laid out in vegetable and flower
gardens, walks and play grounds, and ornamented with trees and
shrubbery.
‘The original plan of the House embraces a centre building 86 by
60 feet, 3 stories high and basement, with two wings in an oblong
direction, each 148 feet long by 32 feet wide, 2 stories high and
basement, except the extremes, which terminate in towers 37 feet
square, 3 stories high. ‘The whole when completed will form a front
of 382 feet in length, to which lateral wings may be added when
required.
OF the foregoing plan only the centre building and one wing are
completed. (Enclosed I send you a lithograph on a small scale,
showing the front elevation.)
The basement embraces a kitchen and dining room for the’ super
intendent, a kitchen and dining room for subordinate officers, and a
general kitchen for cooking and washing for the inmates. The lat=
ler is furnished with a 5 horse power steam boiler and cooking and
Washing apparatus of the most approve kind, together with a 3
28 | Assemo
horse power engine for elevating water to the 4th story, which withs
sot farther addition is sufficient to do the work for a family of 260
inmates.
From a task of 2500 galls, in the fourth story, the water is
plumbed in every direction sshere its use is require:
‘The Ist Noor contains the office and manager’s room, with rooms
for the superintendent's far
“The 2d floor embraces two large rooms for the sick, and sleeping
apartments for the officers. And on the 8d floor is chapel 60 fet
sitare, which will seat 500 persons. Rooms for the sick will be
provided in the new wing to be erecte
Wing—The basement of the wing embraces @ seashing and
pathing room for the boys, 32X68 feet, with pipes and corks 50
Gistribated that each can wash under a running stream. It is also
Fanished with a plunging bathing pool of the capacity of 5000 galls.
and a shower bath.
On the same floor are an ironing and drying room, tailors’ shop,
shoe shop ani store rooms
‘The Ist floor embraces the dining room and school and ree!
rooms.
‘The 20 floor contains the dormitories for the boys. These are 7
fect square with 7 feet cellings; they are arranged in two ters £0
font Weide of the wing, and separated by a hall 16 feet in width
caning the whole length of the wing. Each cell bes a narrow
running Cgtending fcom the floor to the ceiling, rendering it light,
Timon pleasant. Bach has a 4 inch ventilating fle which can be
wR sed of shut at pleasure and all the doors of the cell are of Pen
‘ornamental iron work.
‘The ball between the dormitories 1s Yighted ftom the roof, and
ventilated by Espy’s coves.
ventilated by “ Bull’s hot
‘The building throughout is warmed and vt
‘ir and ventilating furnaces.”
Each wing when completed is designed to eesnmmatate 109 inr
mates.
1E4g
No. 198.] 279
Since the opening of the Howse, there hi
1g of the Howse, there have been received 40
white and 3 colored boys, none of whom hav i
sie tal 8 lend have been indentured or
The offences for whieh the
hey were committed are burglary and lar.
ea, 18; petit lareenj, 175 grand lnoeay, 35 vaproace, By 5
oe 1¥» 35 vagranoy, 53 arson 15
Their parentage is as follows, vi rican
2, German 1, Welsh 1, eulorel’3. SEE, Tat AES
eg me alltel he ctmcol hn anager ding db
minority; the managers having power to bind them ci dis
aber P them out at their dise
They vary in age from 10 to 18 years; the average being 14
years and 6 months; 18 years is the extreme at whi
yews and y treme at which they can be
ail exeen a fee who are required fr the dometi work of the
bee ate alivelyenplaye Inthe mutate of ean cel ss
in the summer season a large nurmber will be employed in the ga
dodon the ras Thee too labor fst shoe ae ‘der oot
al 11 ets. per day for each. ms
‘The time the inmates will be detained before bei
s will be detained before being apprentice
jl sand ack on Uzi gaisl aroder tad auttaly is era
age tie will be from 18 mos. to 2 years mr
Feces en te el olin Tl
is by corporal iniliction; and this has only been required ina
oe ih pig fe Ha og Toye rd
rate attemps to escape, they were punished on the posterior. with
an ordinary sized ratta ‘ Be peiererei
The general health of the inmates is good, only 2 having been
sonnet other bes ty inisoston aad thew only for afew day,
ere are no enses of insanity among us, and mo case 0 a
eel longest masta
All are requir to take a planging bath ti
AML attend school 34 hours per day if as een peal
aike eu, ib i 2 2y, and church and sunday school
280 [Assent
‘As o general thing they seem contented amd Sapp #8, well
wn Ee sng the Bours of reeretion; bat for © els
weer wat tll the institotion has been Ionger in operation:
Superintendent, $1,5005
n. of Offcers ond their Sataris—Saperintendent, $1.00
2. of Oar ono, tee, ob; Reward and wie
asta ee tate Loeper, $200; farmer, $2505 gadenes 8100;
eee» g2005 chaplain, $2505 tailoress, $8 per to.» 2
physician, sen ge enen food as is provided for
einitled to the fare of the House,
the inmates.
im yours, very respectfullyy
Fam yours S09) SANDE S. WOOD,
‘Sup't W. H. of Refuge.
House of Rervor of Parcapstrina.
ire eur han in any yea sine the inti
Below is given a tabular statement of the nmber of ruaes and of
elow is given # ta the me
ommitted in each year since the op os
females covimipe average age of those committed, and the average
sogetes wh OE EE epee fr ie the information
could readily be procured.
‘The number of commitments here given do not include thes
tumed to the institution after having been indentured or
excaped.
se Girls Average age Average Average mum
the year. Boss com ALCL Com” of giria when number of of fer,
Borne Tear ABI Fen itl commode Tas im
Eotnaltted sates dar
ed
1928, 18
1828, 38
1820,
3831,
1822,
1833,
3834,
1835,
No. 198.|
1836, a
1837, Ha
3838, a
1899, al
3810, A
1841, on
1242, i
1813, st
1814, Wt
1819, in
1846, 3
sit, a
1818, My
1819, 133
By an examination of the above tabnlar statement, it will be per=
ceived that the number of boys committed, within the last few years,
has rapidly increased. It cannot be doubted, that the fear of being
subjected to the discipline of this institution bas exerted a powerful
‘and salutary influence on the rising generation of our community.
The greatest number of male inmates at any one time during the
past year, was 196; of female inmates, 50.
During the past year, the imates have been blessed with health in
a remarkable degree; but one case of serious indisposition occurred
during the year. This case, which terminated fatally, in the month
of April, was that of a boy recently admitted, and the disease—
gangrenous erysipelas—was of a character to leave but little doubt
that it existed in his system at the time of his admission.
‘The mechanical pursuits which give employment to the boys in
the workshops, are the manufacture of razor strops, cane chaie seats,
aul uobrella furniture, and book binding. The earnings of the boys,
for Inbor doe during the past year, amount to $6,356.54 or 11%
cents per day.
The progress made by the pupils both of the boys? and of the girls?
schools, in their studies, which embrace the elementary branches of
an English education, has been satisfactory to the board,
282 [Assan
‘The libraries have received an addition of more than 809 well
selected volumes, through the liberality of a number of our fellow
citizens, including most of the principal publishers. and booksellers
of our city. They acknowledge the kindness of the officiating clergy
of different religious denominations in voluntarily officiating at the
House on the sabbath; also to express their thanks to the sunday
school teachers, who have so faithfally labored for us.
The labors of the ladies? committee in the female department
ave been conducted, as heretofore, in the spirit of love.
From the tenor of letters received from the masters of former in-
mates, now under indenture, the board feel assured that the discipline
of the institution has not lost its beneficial influence, They believe,
however, that, could a larger proportion of those indentured be
placed at a distance feom the city, and the evil associations connects
ed therewith, still more favorable results might be realized.
A friend of the institution presented to it the sum of $1,600, to
be invested as a permanent fund, the interest to be applied to the
purchase of medals, and such other presents for the inmates as may
be deemed suitable rewards for good conduct and incentives to im
provement
Cost of support including provisions, salaries, fuel and clothing is
92 dollars and 10 cents per head.
Report of the Superintenitent of the White Department.
The number admitted from Jan. 1, 1849, to Jan. 1, 1850, is as
follows, viz: 158 boys, 45 girls, total 198.
Discharged: boys 126, girls 36, total 162,
Remaining in the institution, Jan. Ist, 1850; boys 185, girls 49,
total 234,
99 were committed on complaint, and by request of the parents
or nearest friends,
Those admitted during the year were tom as follows: In the city
and county of Philadelphia, 903 in other counties of Pennsylvania,
38; New-York, 10; Ohio, 1; New Jersey, 5; South Carolina, 1;
Delaware, 15 Vermont, 1; Massachusetts, 1; District of Columbia,
4; England, 8; Holland, 1; Ireland, 17; Germany, 8; Ialy, 1}
‘Wales, 1; remainder not known,
No. 198.] s
The average age of boys, when adi
eae itted, was about 139 years;
‘The boys are employed at—
© seats, &c.,
Making umbrella stretehers,-
razor strops,
Miscellaneous, «=
Inthe Bindery. —Comaly's spelling
lish Reader,
Pike's Arithinetic,
Primers,
Almanacs,
book, copies bound,- =
‘ane shaved, Ibs
eats made,-
Chairs caned, «
Settees ©
“made and eaned,
Bonnet reeds made, gro,
‘Is Umbrella Shop—Steetchers made, Ibs
In Rezor Strop Shop—Steops made, dor,
Paper boxes mac oo
29,000
416
471
625
159
Frocks for gi = 437
ther garments for gi
for girls, s-ssosses
Sheets, ded ticks, pillow eases, towels,
ae s, towels,
Carpet rags sewed, Ibs, z
Mending, was ‘i
625
194
284 [Assemsuy
Report of the Teacher of the Boys? School
0 general classes;
1e school of the male department consists of two gener
se aethe fet amd second divisions, which are subsivideds the
Frat itto six classes, the second into three. The classes J and 2 of
fi ine Gun have completed and_ reviewed Goldsoith's History
of England and Goodrich’s History of the United States,
Class 3 has nearly completed the above mentioned works.
‘The following tables exhibit the general standing of 163 received
and 126 discharged:
‘When admitted. When discharged
8 30
one wh could read we
" 8 with ease, -
inpereaty
pro
repeat the alphabet,
were ignorant of the alphabet,
Arithmetical.
Those advanced beyond the compound rules,
acquainted with the simple Fey
vs subtraction,
aaiton,
ignorant of adi, -
Geographical and Historical.
‘Those variously acquainted with geography,
a having no knowledge of
«variously acquainted with history,
«having no knowledge of
ty; thirty-four of whom have
‘They are divided into four classes.
No. 198.] 288
We have lately received an addition to our valuable library, and
it now contains upwards of $00 volumes. The children are fond of
reading, and those who cannot read well are equally desisous to re-
caive books.
The greater number of those admitted during the past year were
very illiterate and destitute of moral training; while, on the other
band, we have some intelligent girls, who might have done honor to
the family circle had their tempers been watched over and their
morals eared for in the days of infancy. Owing to this neglect of
parents and guardians, the poor children find it no easy task to do
that which is rights nevertheless, Thad not during the past year,
‘occasion to record one deliberate act of disobedience. They are, in
general, kind and obliging, and often express their gratitude for the
instruction they receive. AIF manifest adesire to improve, and not a
few have exceeded my expectations.
Philadelphia, January 21st, 1850.
J. 8, Russ, M. D.
Dear sir—your letter dated 16th inst. was received this morning,
making inquiries relative to our institution, for your annual report.
Some of your questicns are out of my power to answer, as our es
lishment has been in operation but three weeks, However, as many
a can be answered, you will find below.
What No. of inmates? 96.
What color? 26 full negroes, 9 mix-
3 females
ds They are a!l born of American parents, full Wood
‘alives, committed until of age, boys 21, girls 18 years, committed
for larceny, immoralities, such as absconding, disobedience, ungov=
erable tempers, and others. for want of friends and home. At pre~
sent the only trade they work at, is making umbrella stretchers. They
cannot be bound out until they are thoroughly refornied, and then not
within 25 miles of their homes.
We have at present but
officers, our employment being light,
they are as follows:
Superintendent, $700, house accommodations, fuel and lights,
torse and wagon, cow and garden, equal to about $1,200 per annum.
Asistant superintendent, salary $400, and board and washing, he is
teacher of the boy's school. Matron, salary $500, board and wash-
ing, Assistant matron, who is also nurse $300, with board and
washing. Teacher of girls? school, salary $200, mith board and
washing. Doorkeeper, salary $144, with board and washing.
286 [Assemmuy
Our enclosure embraces 24 acres, employed as gardens and play
grounds. Cannot answer your next, viz: * What is the annual ex-
pense of each child, &c.? as we are not yet one month old. The
dimensions of the builling and its arrangement, T will give you at
the close of this letter. The result of our labors we cannot answer;
we expect to keep them one year before indentaring. Our mode of
punishment is moral suasion; for light offences, such as talking in
the ranks, at the table, &c., put the boy on No. 4, that is we de-
prive bim of play for a certain time, or give him bread and water
in presence of the boys at meals. For grosser offences, such as
swearing, lying, ot insubordination by violence, confine him in his
cell with only two blankets and bread and water twice a day. Our
best boys are promoted to class No. 1; kept entirely apart from No.
2, not allowed any communication, We do not expect to use cor
poreal punishment-—I do not say we will not. The inward police
js entirely in the hands of the superintendent. They are received
between the ages of S and 18 years. Their health is good, no in-
sanity or masturbation.
Sleep 8} hours; at school 4}5 ut work 6 hours, if unruly and in
active 7} hours; at meals, washing and dressing, 24 hours; at plays
reading or working for wages, 24 hours,
Our bath or wash house is under the shop, which is a two story
rick building 50 by 40 feet; at each ent we have twenty cocks
emptying in a trough for daily washing of hands and face. The
pool is thirty-five by thirty feet, four feet deep. In summer bathe
daily; cold weather twice and sometimes thrice a week, the water
heated by steam, The whole waste water from every part of the
building is carried off by a reservoir emptying into the Schuylkill
river. Our cooking is all done by steam. ‘The whole house heated
dy furnaces, but will in course of time be heated by steam. The
sexes are entirely separate, and not allowed to see each other, not
even in the chapel, the girls occupying the gallery, and the boys
seated below them, ‘There is a complete separation of sex.
Our boys work well in the shops, and the superintendent of the
work, says they work more regularly and learn in less time then the
white boys, at the old refuge.
We cannot tell what will be the annual expense of each boy—
they are ambitious to learn, their prominent fault is loquacity; the
appear cheerful and happy, nor have we heard one express a desi
No. 198.) 287
to.go aay, but om the contrary they wish to remain. Thave seat
you the last year’s report. I have so much to attend to at
c attend to at present
‘hat T must ask your indulgence for the sad appearance of this letter
And reimain yours tealy,
Sclamanuim THOS. W. SUMMERS.
juperintendent House of Refuge Colored Department,
February 1, 1850, Moms Deperimen
COUNTY PRISONS.
Orrioe oF Panox Assoctarion, 15 Centex Sry
Nes Yorks, Feb, Ath, 1950.
Dear Sir: The neglected condition of county prison throughoat the
Sate of Nevw-Vork has stimulate the Prison Association to endeavor
fo procure information ia relation to other States that they ma
beter eblel to advise remeiel measures ln thar awn.) have,
Sethe een ty See Bee eA
enquiries, and ask an enrly reply to such of them as you may have
it in your power to answer, viz: The number of prisoners admitted
during the year, designating sex, color, crimes and sentences. ‘The
rumber of temporary cotomitments, or commitments for examination
aay. ‘The cst of support, ander eparate ens, 8. fod fol
clothing and salaries, &e. The income of labor, specifying the av.
rage number engaged at each diferent trade or employment, and the
proceeds of each, How lange a portion ‘of your prisoners work at
all, ‘Do those simply detained for trial work? Is work compulsory
on them? What conveniences for bathing? Do prisuners. bathe at
Sated times? How are your prisons heated? How ventilated? Do
they cat in their cells or a public table? Number of eases of dis,
ease, lacy of death, recommitments. Answers t any of
Uae enquire, with such elber.Infonaston ne you tay have lt
Your power to examunicate, will be most thanklully received by
Yours, very respectilly,
JOHN D. RUSS,
ner Cor. See. Pris, Asso.
2 the Keepers of New London Middlesex, Fairfield, New Haven
Windham, Hartford and Tolland County Pris., Conn., and
Albcny Co. Pen'y 9 Pris Commo ond
288 [Assman
Ausany Couvry Pev:restiany,
Faireary 18, 1800. $
My dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th was duly received, an
here ith band you eatrct from she report ofthe Tospestors, together
with a copy of my report, from which you will be able to obtain
Jnore filly the infermation you desire, than should be able to give
you in a letter.
fe one of the
‘The extracts are from a rough draft in the hands of one of
Inspectors, the reports being out of eur hands and in the hands of
the printers but have been delayed for the purpose of having plates
engraved to accompany the same.
cays calculate
We have no good arrangement for bathing, but always
to ge alla thong werhing cn ther reception, and then require
thet Co keep theraeves clean
i ceiling into the garret and
Our shops are ventilated through the ceiling into the g:
thence through the roof, by the patent Espy. ‘The hall containing
fells, &e., swell supplied with ventilators, but we depend much
‘pon natral venation by feeh at fom the doors and. windows
ma good part of the day. “Ve bave two large hot air furnaces
Bre Re manier of stoves with which we eat the bulings
There is at present no sickness among us You will see that we
had nine deaths from cholera and three only from other eauses during
the year.
acopy. We
[As soon as our reports are published 1 will send you a copy.
should be pleased (o have you visit us and examine the establishment
in all its details.
With much respect,
Lam your ob’t sers’t,
AM S- PILLSBURY.
Dr. Jony D. Russ, Cor. Seo’y Pris. .isso0’n.
Albeny Co. Penitentiary, 184 (—uperintendent’s Reporte
pectin provement ena epi 969.01; fritare $196.98;
Frat vad iding, 8760-61; pevions, 8807.70; balace of
Se ant 4B ents propesty om tnd October 3D 188
Bits ens nies ef ery exerting Keeper, ful ond ber &
Sen, 084-02, ttl, $1000.81
No. 198.) 289
ilcome.—Received for board of prisoners from other counties,
$563; basket making, $312.19; on hand, $900.68; shoe making,
$804; wood work shop, $460.26; chair seating, $1,753.17; demi-
john shop, $1,081.01; female department, $530.94; labor account,
$114.25; tailoring, $22.37; amount received from visitors, 857.71;
balance of expense to this institution, $3,760.93; total $10.360.51.
Statement of prisoners —Number of prisoners in confinement Oc-
tober 31st, 1818, 1335 reveived from November Ist, 1848, to Octo-
ber 31, 1849, inclusive, 408; whole number in confinement during
the year, 541; discharged by court and magistrates, 20, by the Go-
vernor, (parioned,) 43 by payment of fines, 65 died, cholera 9, other
diseases, 6; escaped while employed at work on the land outside, 25
sent to alims house by order of magistrate, 2; discharged by expira-
tion of centence, 317, prisoners in confinewent October 31st, 1849,
117; of the above number received there were males 3(8, females
100; total 408. OF the number in confinement October 31st, 1849,
there were males 127, females 505 total 177.
Bmployment—Male prisoners. —Moaking chair seats, 30; covering
demijohns, 27; making coarse boots and brogans, 15; wood work
and basket meking, 10; waiters in hall, barber and nurse, 4; insane
and invalids, 6; on buildings, grading lend, and other out-door work,
%; total, 127.
Female prisoners —Covering bottles, 15; closing and binding shoes
and boots, 10; making and mending clothes for prisoners, &e., 6;
waiting and cleaning in ball and house, 3; invalids, 35 at work in
Litchen, cooking, washing and ironing for the whole establishment,
13; total, 505 grand total, 177
Crime—Vagrancy, 187; petit larceny, 98; assault and battery, 66;
Aisorderly, 33; malicious mischief, 4; assault and battery on an offi-
cer, 5; assault and battery with intent to commit manslaughter, 25
assault and battery, riot and affray, 6; assault with intent to kill,
embezzling, 1; false pretences, 1; abandoning child, 1; wilful tres-
Pass, 1; breach of pence, 25 total, 408,
Age when committed—Under 20 years, 70; from 20 to 30 years,
136; from 30 to 40 years, 94; from 40 to 50 years, 68; over 50
years, 33; total, 408.
TAssembly, No. 198. | 19
290 [Assmennr
45 fin, 38; 1 month, 23; 100 days, 35 40 days 25
repait 18, 6 months and fine 100, 25 total, 408
179; Ireland, 1745 England, 5; Scot
Nativity — Unite er da, 16, New Brunswick, 25 Francey 45
tant, 20; German 125 Conny
Tay, 3: tou 408.
; cans of ageand upwards 1545 mar
social rdations Singles 20 wry sar
Pe husband living 1363 boys under 20 years of ey (OH
Hied, wife or bushes owers of widows having children, 64; without
sents living,) 3% emer
friends, parents or guardians, ;
ty religiously instructed by parents 1365 without
ee ion 272; total, 408.
‘early instruction of any Kindy
“aueation.—Can read and write, 1945 read onlys 805 cannot real
or write, 133; well educated, 15 total, 408-
2334; claim to
Habits Admitting themselves to be intemperate, 3945
be temperate, 45 total, 408.
5 poor health, 1035
Heath. Un good health when reecived, 305; poor uh,
total, 408.
1 a ermiths, 11; bacbers, 5; clerks 3; sbiemakers; 29) TIN
ness BS a ane By no ovapton 295th
ings and expendi
+ vein aie sate othe nag an expel
The foreging dre Sei the Amani oesaions of
rece the year ending Cetober Bist 1849
re of the tition, together with He
eee has occupied the
_The necurany wtVmprovement of the prisoner, as occuiel
atin nde re spertendnt ing the YH
te Jt. to a close; whether he has been successful im pF ed
bee eats othe projectors and friends of the institutic®
sels Svea a he pel on espe eae fr 4
SEaLa reasonably expect
‘and the public to d
No. 198.) on
When it is considered that most of the prisoners are sentenced for
the term of six months or Zese, some idea may be formed of the task
and difficulty of obtaining suitable and profitable labor in which to
employ persons of all ages who are thus constantly changing, espe-
cially as it is desirable not to manufacture articles which would
appear to come into competition with those of the mechanics of this
cilys and it has always been the wish of the superintendent to em-
ploy the prisoners upon such work or articles as are chiefly imported
fiom abroad, so that the mechanics should! have no cause to feel that
the manufacturing business carried on at the penitentiary was either
unjust or oppressive to them,
It was with these views he early introduced as a permanent busi«
ness, the manufacture of cane chair seats, an article mostly made in
prisons, and considered as raw material for the chairmakers. He
has also, during the past year, employed a portion of the prisoners,
male and female, at covering bottles or demijobns, most of which
have heretofore been imported from without the United States, and
he has the pleasure of stating that this business has been introduced
with a fair prospect and the expectation of making it an established
Penitentiary employment.
The only business which has been earried on of which complaint
has been made so far, has been the manufacture of boots and shoes
ty a very few of the prisoners; but if the mechanies who have com-
plained of this occupation for the prisoners would take into consider-
ation the fact that they have been employed in making a coarse
article of boots and brogans, which it is believed are not manufac+
tured in the city of Albany, and could not and would not be made
ty any regular mechanic in this vicinity at the prices at which simi=
lar work is bought by the dealers in the Eastern States, they will
readily perceive that the limited manufacture of those articles at the
penitentiary cannot interfere injuriously to the interests of any one.
The amount appropriated for building workshops has been ex=
pended in the erection of a building for this perpose 150 feet long
‘by 32 feet wide, with a cellar under its entire length. By this ex-
fenditure two fine well-ventilated workshops 79 by 30 feet in the
Altar have been secured, as also desirable room in the cellars for
Storage, &e., for the preservation of property belonging to the insti«
tation. In consequence of the rapid influx of prisoners it already is
recessary to erect more cells for their accomodation.
202 [Assnaue
‘The whole number of prisoners received since the first commence-
ment of the penitentiary in April, 1846, has been eleven hundred
and sixty-seven.
The prisoners have generally evinced an entire and ready obedience
to the rules and government of the institution, no case of bad con-
duct having occurred requiring anything like severe punishment,
(Goxporeal punishment has never been resorted to since the institution
was first established,) while at the same time a strict, uniform,
thorough, and vigorous discipline has been maintained.
It is with much satisfaction the superintendent is able to say that
this very desirable result has been accomplished through the instru-
mentality of a systematic mild course of treatment, and tbe mora)
influences brought to bear upon the winds of the prisoners, rather
than by the exercise of coercive measures.
The health of the prison has been generally good, although as
will be seen by the report of the physician, the cholera made its
appearance among the prisoners after it had visited anil entirely dis
appeared from the city. No local cause could be discovered for this
extraordinary sickness.
Of the prisoners wino bave been discharged from this institution
some few are giving evidence of the good effect of their imprison-
ment by an industrious, sober life, and are evidently desirous of be-
coming useful citizens; yet in the opinion of the superintendent, from
the experience he has had, the length of time of confinement is not
sufficient to effect to any great extent the reformatory object of the
aystem. It does not afford the prisoner generally sufficient time for
reflection, or to wean him from his vicious course of life, or to cou
firm or establish the industrious and orderly habits to which he is
subject while here, or fo permanently implant in his heart the prin-
ciples of virtue and good morals. Although unfavorable to sentences
of extreme duration or severity, the superintendent believes that &
proper and discreet medium should be observed.
It ought not to be expected) that a few days imprisonment, di
épline or insiruction will make any very lasting impression upon &
ind willingly corrupt and which bas for years been pre-occupied
with the vilest associations. ‘The sentence should be sufficiently Jong
to give ample time for reflection that the prisoner may be led (©
‘think —to review his past wicked and criminal course of life, and
feu9
eu 9
No, 198.} 293
while subjected to the labor and
one and the same time, the hardshi
of his sentence and confinement,
discipline required of him, feel at
ip of transgression, and the justice
All which is respectfully submitted,
AMOS PILSBURY,
, Superinten
Penrresttay, wdlbany, Non. Ist, 1849, perinlenent
the year commencing Ay
ou last fiscal year,
Whole mnber committed on ex
le ‘otmmitted on critninal process, 127} for asx
Se A Sagres, A erly to eileen, 4 une Sy ce
Peace, 35 robbery, 2) cheating, 25 rape, 1j attempt te wae en ee
ing spiritous liquors, 1; horse stealing, 1; profanity, 1y hence
ings 15 burglary, 15 obstructing railroad ears, 1. 2” 1S “ounterfeite
Under sentence, --
"bonds for tial,
For temporary safe keeping,
Males, 1175 females, 10,
Ages: 21 years and under, 35, over
American 71, Trish 34, African 18,
Aggregate time of all in prison, weeks,
Average time of each,
Aggregate“ all under sentence «
Average each =
Aggregate “all before trial,
verage “each
Number in prison at last report
‘umber received during the yer,
Whole number is
Whole number in prison during the year, ~
The financial view for the year is as follows:
204 (Asseaone
Disbursements.
$876 91
39 09
95 42
24455
11 Tt
95 10
93 84
For provision,
roca! expemes,
Tren an clothings
fuel, =~:
stock and tol,
repairs and Bxtres,
Tee epee
lair and wages oeloing
Tig bound, chaplain and wages and board ofall
ont sai b att gain for the
cath pn cu ene eg et un
838 00
$3,179 39
Receipts.
$1,502 09
696 36
39 09
76 91
861 94
from the Slat, for boatd of prisoners under setence,
is ‘a for board of prisoners before trial,
“for lth
From the avails of Tabor of prisones--
$3,179 39
i labor. No compulsion to
[AML convicts are by law required to. Inbo
Iabor on those detained for wial, but many prefer it, nearly alls though
the labor cf all, owing to ther short terms here, s not very prox
active, Boot fiting and bottoming is our only branch. | We prefer
this on account of its simplicity, and especially for its adaptation
a quiet thorough discipline
Every prisoner is requited to wash thre times daly, under euper
rision, at common pump, and each morning, hands, arms face sn
eck thoroughly. a summer they all passthrough « slower Hat
eekly, and like it xs a luxury. In winter we use the shower
But little, unless the prisoner should wish it
ison y erstand, i. e. it is a “prise
‘The plan of ‘our prison you probably understand, pr
on ws psn on he Aur pany avd by cmon st
‘in the areas where the Tabor is also performed and each ¢
Pace esate lower tier fo orices communicating with bt
No. 198.] ab
attic for ventilation. The only ventilation, however, which will
satisfy my notions on the subject is what we practice here, i. e. we
form all our prisoners in line each morning, however cold and march
them briskly around the centre block, meantime having our large
windesss (4 feet by 10) throwa open for the free admission of air in
strong currents all over the prison, ‘This keeps us constantly pure and
sweet, which no other means that I have ever seen will do. Fixed
ventilators are good as far as they go, but whoever depends solely
upon the best of thein, where men are constantly confined, will have
more or less of the peculiar and unwholesome prison efluvia, which
wwe never have here uniler our mode. It does one good to see our
prisoners snuif up this eold, pure and fresh morning air, while march-
ing and to observe its invigorating and vivifying effects upon their
countenanees.
ur prisoners eat and sleep in solitude in separate cells, but labor
in company, though in silence and under constant supervision.
There has been but one death here since this prison was built, 13,
years ago, and that was a case of suicide by an Indian under deliri=
‘um tremens in Y840. No case of fever or cther serious disease has
exer aceurred here; the only sickness has been those slight eases of
disease contracted before reception by vicious habits and intempe-
tance. We have no lunatics, merely 2s such, committed here.
attribute the unprecedented health of this prison to our thorough ven-
tilation and cleanliness, more than to any and all other causes com
bined.
I believe the foregoing covers the ground of your specific enqui
ries, and T would cheerfully communicate further in answer to your
general request if T had time, especially upon the moral and reli-
gious aspect of the subject, in my view altogether the most interest
ing as well as imnportant. From the earnest desire 1 feel that the
cause in which you are engaged should succeed, T have already tres-
passed upon time otherwise required, but did not feel at moral liberty
to withhold ansivers which might serve you some good purpose in
Jour philanthropic enterprise. You will therefore pardon this bur-
tied response,
With the best wishes for your success,
Tam, dear sir, very respectfully, yours,
H. MORGAN,
Keeper Hartford Co. Jit,
Jony D. Russ, M.D.,
Cor. See. Pris, fsso.,.N York.
296 | Asseuaue
Orrice or Wivonas County pa}
February 26th, 1850.
D. Ross, M.D. ;
pac eis Foe ond February Bk at duly received and oom
fents noticed. In reply to your inquiries T will state as near as our
tamer of Keeping he newts will permit, Whole mnie of
prisoners during the year past admitted to this prison is_ fifty-three,
49 males, 4 females; § colored persons. Drunkenness, 143 assault,
14; theft, 75, brea indows in night, 2; selling” spirituous ic
quors, 2; vagrancy, 4; forgery, 15 prostitutes, 2; killing horse, 15
slander, 1; non-payment of taxes, 2; trespass, 2; highway robbery,
1. Retommitments 1.” hae beeo sent to State Prison; 41 hove
en discharged by expiration of sentence or by due order of law,
ni nove somain ih prisons of the above number hove bere
bound over for trial to the county or superior court and sent here in
fault of bail. The cost of support of prisoners is about $500; sala-
ries, of keeper, $300; inspectors, $60; total expense, $860. The
income for labor of prisoners, $863, Received from State Treasury
for board, $719.94. Principal employment of prisoners in winter
summer, work on land with all that it is safe
n. All under sentence labor, according to
strength and ability, Those detained for trial only, work if they
choose, but work is nol compulsory on them. No conveniences for
bathing; prison heated by box stove in hall or work shop in front
of cells; each cell is ventilated in walls; each prisoner eats in his
cell, No cases of disease; one case of delirium tremens; no death.
There is about six acres of land connected with this prison owned
by the county, that is cultivated by labor of prisoners, and jobs of
ditching, hoeing, mowing, laying wall, &e, is taken of fariners in
the neighborhood when the prisoners are of the proper character to
do such work to advantages but few of those sent here for small
crimes who have families will escape, even if they have an opportu
nity. I think of nothing further that will be of interest to you ot
preset Respectfully yours,
JOHN S. SEARLS,
Keeper Windham County Prison.
Couey Prisox Oveice, i
New Haven, February 7, 1800.
Joun D. Ross, Esa., - .
Dear Sirs E have jst received letter fom you making some i
quires relative to “County Prisons.” I would say with regard 0
No. 198, 207
our prison that we have received during the past year about 300
prisoners, part of whom have been sentenced here, and part have
been waiting trial. We have received daring the past year 44 fe
ales of various colors; all of them were sentenced here, excepting
two that were sent to “States Prison.” We have had’ during the
pat Year an average of 40 prisoners, (including male and female,)
T should think about one fourth of the whole were colored persone
There has been sent to the State Prison 18 the past yeur for high
crimess those for the smaller offences are sentenced {0 this prisen,
Dating the past year we have received one for murder, (who fs now
under sentence of death) 5 for burglary, 63 for assault, 124 for
drunkenness, 44 for theft, 2 for “ intent to kill” B for vagrancy,
and others for various crimes foo numerous to mention. The income
from the labor of prisoners and what we receive for board supports
the prison. The State pays two dollars per week for board of pi
oners, yet not on unimportant part is made up from the avails of
Prison labor. The prison after paying all expenses has yielded the
county an income of $1,000 per year, (some years even more thag
this.) which is paid into the county treasury. About one-half of our
prisoners worky those that are waiting trial do not work (unless
they choose to.) those only that are under sentence are compelled to
Work by Taw. “(Most alt of them prefer to work.) We find Sting
boots the most profitable business that we have ‘tried; about twe
{hinds of those that do work; work at that; the ret work at seating
chairs, making baskets, joiners work, &e. You ask what conve,
riences we have for bathing; we use ‘a “bathing. tub,” which oo
find quite necessary to bring into use when we initiate them, many
pt them are very filthy when they are first receiveds they do nee
bathe at stated times. Our prison is heated by stoves placed in the
hulls of the prison, and as the cell doors are grated, it heats the cells
sufficiently. Each cell has a ventilator, which gives to the whole
Prison suficient ventilation, Each prisoner eate by himself in big
call. | With regard to sickness we have none, except a few cases of
jtelirium tremens.” There has been only two deaths in this prise
in five years, those were occasioned by the effects of liquor 34
Hecommitinents
Yours, very respecifully,
ANDREW BRYAN, Jailor,
The following letter was addressed to Col. Jebb, inspector general
of prisons for England, and we would ask especial attention to the
Fey able essay upon’ the present state of pri
Europe, which was received in reply to our communi
298 [Assen
Orrice of tHe Patsow Assoctsr10%, No. 15 Centresstoy
New-York, December, 1849.
1n Association of this city and State,
information as you may have
Dear Sit: In behalf of the
Ttake the liberty to ask of you
in your power to itpart, in relation to the progress and present
state of prison discipline in England. The Association having no re-
gpilar correspondent of your side of the Atlantic, is but imperfectly
Syeised of the progress of the great work in which you have token 50
distinguished a part.
‘As one of the Prison Inspectors of Great Britain, it may, perhaps,
be in your power, without expense or much personal inconvenience,
to provide us with the reports of your Board, commencing with the
ninth, and coming up to the present year. We shoul be greatly
“hliged to you for a complete set of reports of county prisons, houses
Of refuge, and other disciplinary institutions, as may be consistent
‘with your convenience.
The Association would feel greatly indebted to you if you could
spare an hour from your numerous avocations, to give us « detailed
decount of what is transacting in England in the way of prison dis-
Cipline. How many prisons have you on the Separate plan. What
proportion do they bear to the old prisons? What venefcial re-
rls have been found to flow from the-new prisons? What appa-
ent influence have they on the healtb, lives, or sanity of the prisoners?
What trades or occupations most successfully taught? &e., Ke
These, with many other questions which will suggest themselves to
‘your mind, although, perhaps, most of them will be answered in the
Teports which T trust may be in your power to furnish us with, would
tequire additional weight and influence if confirmed by your own
Individual opinion and belief, in such a way that they can be prev
‘sented in our fifth annual report as a part of Our correspondence.
We also wish an expression of your views and the results of your
experience, to direct us in the path we should enter. Our Associa-
tion has thos far roaintained a neutral position, except in relation to
houses of detention, While the war has been waging warmly be-
tween the Auburnites and Separatists, the Association are not yet
committed to either side. I think the prevailing sentiment among
Gur members is favorable to separation; still there are many who hold
{sort of intermediate position, adopting neither as a system, but en-
eavoring to combine the advantages of both. ‘Thus they propose
ep
No, 198.) 299
in ret conta or pn in ich 2 mane sat the
teloshl be lange enough or ee he inane the Separate
aivonage of ee aco beret tore pret Beale
They ee eps fo make eye erm of faye set
far ie ontedie be Guay eecseh and to gael to
cing ote dps nf mol enon Ths pe
ustaee 0 pelt papers con al etl aah
Ste asa eae tte spines Sl aco ede
aie od ystens wih experince ne) ove tebe pct
We should be happy, Sir, to have your opinion as to the probable
Hehe reek ¢ eorauri gene: pil eek ae eagetoa a
‘you may think proper. We ate particularly desirous to know what
hhas been done in England of late, in regard to warming and
ventilating prisons. Does the Pentonville apparatus fully and en-
tirely answer your expectations and desires ?
Hoping that you will feel sullicient interest in our operations to
aid us in the manner we have taken the liberty to suggest,
Thave the honor to be,
Very respectfilly, your ob’t serv’t,
JOHN D. RUSS, M D.,
Cor. Sec. Pris. Assoe'n.
Cou. Jum, Insp. of Prisons of Greet Briluin, London, Eng.
Dear Sir—Though I have net leisure to do more than very imper-
In onder to understand our position, it
position, itis necessary to bear in mind
the broad distinction that existe between conviets under sentence of
transportation, who undergo probat cl cipline, ¥
-g0 probationary periods of discipline, vary
ing from two to five or six years ; and prisoners under ordinary sen-
tences of imprisonment with hard labor in county or borough prisons,
the average duration of whose confinement does not exceed six or
ight weeks. ‘The proportion of this class, confined for even twelve
months, is very small.”
* Out of the total number 73715 sentenced in one year, only I80) were for pe-
saver
ot twelve months and upwards and 700 mere oe plod of three moa
and under six, Vide Sth, report of Inspectors of Prisons, ‘oa
200 [Assemeny
It will, perhaps, be admitted, that the main objects to be attained,
with reference (o these two classes, are essentially different.
‘The punishment of the conviet under sentence of transportation
consists in his removal to a distant land, the disruption of all his 9o-
cial ties, and his being subject to penal restraint in one form or anoth-
et, for very long periods.
In his case, probationary periods of imprisonment, previously to
being sent out of the country, are enforced, not so much with a view
to his punishment, as o his reformation. Although the imprisontment,
doubtless weighs heavily upon him, and to himself is a great aggra-
vation of his sentence of transportation, yet the bearing of the pre-
sent system of treatment is, from first to last, expressly directed to
preparing him by instruction and industrial training, for becoming
useful to himself and others in the colony to which he may be sent.*
‘The punishment of prisoners committed to a common prison for
short periods of hard labor and corrective discipline, on the contrary,
should, I conceive, be inflicted more with a view to its exemplary ef
feet in deterring others from the commission of crime, and to create
in the individual himself a salutary dread of prison, than simply for
hig reformation, which, though of great importance, is secontlary to
the main object of his imprisonment,
‘The short period during: which a prisoner is under coercion forbid
the hope of making any permanent impression on his character, and
if he and others be not deterred from the commission of erie by the
fear of punishment, both objects of his committal to prison are Tost.
tis obvious that if be neither reformed nor deterred, the expense is
‘thrown avay, and, under such convictions, we must not be surprised
if an increase in the mumber of committal takes piace,
Keeping in view the distinetion between a convict and an ordinay
prisoner, I will briefly explain the provisions that are made for carry-
{ng out the objects to which I have adverted, and the systems of dis-
cipline which are in operation.
First, As regards canviets under sentence of transportation,
‘-Theve periods of probation are carried into eet under the Immediate super
atendonee of the home governmeet, because painful experience bas proved,
that to attempt reformation in another Nemlap her, Is hopeless.
tens
No. 198.| 301
During the detention in England, they are under the immediate con
trol of the secretary of state for the home department.
The following is a return of the different convict esta
st the disposal of the government, with the accommodations of each,
and the kind of discipline :
Millbonk.—Males 1,100} feroales 200. Discipline—modified sepa-
ration only, in consequence of the unbealthiness of the place.
Pentonville —Males 508. Discipline—complete separation for pe-
riods not exeeeding 18 months, but generally not exceeding 12 to 35
months.
Portland.—Males 840. Discipline—Associated labor; separation
at night.
2 Hulks (Woolwich.)—Males 850. 2 Hulls (Portsmouth) wales
880. Discipline—the men crowded together on board, and employ-
ed in dock-yards. System necessarily imperfect until buildings are
provided on shore, when the system in operation at Portland will be
introduced,
Parkhurst —Males 720. Discipline—Boys not exceeding 16 years
of age, separation for 4 months ; association afterwards, and indus-
trial training on the farm.
Invalid Depot at Hornchiffe (temporary.)—Males 500. Disci
line—light labor in association. ‘Total males, 5398; females, 200.
Besides these establishments, the government rent a certain num-
ber of separate cells in the following county and borough prisons, to
which conviets are sent to undergo their first probationary period of
discipline, on the same system that isin force at Pentomville, Viz :
Wakefield, seneeyey + 400 Cells
Leicestery...e+++ .
Northampton, «+.
Totaly...
In all,
302 | Assemoxe
‘The Irish convicts are separately provided for, but the principle of
the discipline to be established for them will be the same as at Pen-
tonyille and Portlond.*
At Bermuda vn Gibralter there are about 2600 convicts, employ-
‘on public works, who are now chiefly in the hulks, but will be brought
underthe sa me system of management.
* Outline of the System. 5
A “notice” yy is placed in the hands
of each convict on first entering a government prison, which will ex-
plain some of the details of management which the government have
established for the combined objects of reformation and punishment.
On tcading this notice, it will be observed that the men are first
subjected to about 12 months? separate confinement, and are after-
wards sent to labor in association on public works for a period pro-
S portioned to their respective sentences.
S, This considered as.a system brings us in contact with the great
SS guesllons-af inte Ia) Anicricay id Wleodie extent in hu coainey: Fie
separate confinement versus associated labor.
T cannot pretend in the few sentences to which I must limit myself,
to enter on a discussion upon which volumes have been, and may yet
be written, but will state briefly that my own opinion, which can be
only of the slightest value, when itis supported by facts and experi-
XW ence, or by the common sense of mankind in general, is decidedly in
favor of a mixed system for carrying out all sentences exceeding 12
months.
3
1 think the advocates of any exelusive and general principle either
| of separation or association are in error, and that the period of com
finement, and the object to be attained, ought, in all eases, to be con-
sidered with a view to the introduction of such modifications of either
fone oF the other, or more properly, combination of these opposite
systems as are required by circumstances, or appear calculated to
promote the main objects of the sentence.
4A new prison of the size, andy in all particulars of the same construction a
tat at Pentonville, nas recently been completed at Mountjoy, Dubin, and Si
{land in Core Hurvour, wil be occupfed by 180010 200 convict who wil be e+
ployed on pubic wort.
1€ 49
No. 198.} 303
It does not seem consistent with the laws of Providence, or with
the dictates of reason, to believe that a human being can bectrained
for the active duties of life by lengthened periods of solitade, or by
compulsory silence
‘As regards the general application of separate confinement, and the
periods to which it can be advantageously extended, I have observed
in my 2nd. report, page 38, a follows:
“ My own independent conclusion, founded on a close observation
of the experiment made at Pentonville during nearly four and one
half years, may, with due precautions, be advantageously and safely
adopted in the prisons generally, and that in particular eases, and with
care andl watchfulness, it might, if necessary, be extended to 15 ot
18 months.”
‘Beyond that period, even if it were desirable on meral grounds,
Ido not believe that the discipline could be generally enforced, even
under the most favourable circumstances, without risk of injurious
consequences to a large proportion of the prisoners
“The moral objects of the discipline appear to have been gained
during the first 12 or 15 months, and experiences has justified the
opinion expressed by Sir James Graham in his letter to the commis-
sioners in which he states:” Eighteen months of this discipline
appear to me ample for i's full application, in thal time the real cha-
racter will be developed, instruction will be imparted, new habits will
be formed, a better frame of mind will have been moulded, or the
heart will have become hardened and the ease become desperate.”
Mr. Kingsmill the chaplein at Pentonville, speaking of the extent
‘0 which separate confinement can be advantageously carried on mo-
nil grounds, adds his testimony to the same point in the foliowing
terms :
“With respect to the period of confinement, which is » most im-
Portant question, the experiment appears to me ncf to have succk
fin proving that separate confinement can be advantageously carried
on for longer periods than 15 or 18 months.
“But, however this may be as regards the physical energies
of the men, there seems no sufficient reason on moral and reli-
308 [Assrory
gious grounds for wishing for any extension of the period of separa-
tion beyond 18 months, but the reverse.”
also fully concurred with the commissioners of Pentonville in the
following opinion expressed in the 5th. report: The result of our
‘entire experience is the conclusion, the separation of one prisoner
from another is the only sound basis on which a reformatory disei-
pline can be established with any reasonable hope of success.”
It is upon this basis that the present system of the government in
regard to the management of convicts is founded.
"They are instructed in strict separation for periods varying from
about 9 to 15 months, according to their character, and are subse-
quently associated on public works, under a firm, but mild system of
Aiscipline for periods proportioned to their respective sentences, being
liable to beMretumed to separate confinement, if, by their condacl,
they show that they have not profited by the previous training they
have had
‘Those who deserve it are subsequently removed with a ticket of
leave" to one of the Australian colonies, where, eventually, if they
behave well, they may obtain a conditional pardon, on payment of the
cost of their passage out, or they become free by expiration of their
sentences.
‘The few who prove incorrigible by the discipline, are sent to the
penal colony of Norfolk Island, and infirm prisoners serve out a pro-
portion of their sentences at the invalid establishment, and are rev
eased in England.
Jn viewing the system as x whole, it will be observed that it con
sists of three probationary periods of discipline, as originally deter-
mined by Lord Stanley and Sir James Graham,t each distinct period
being marked by progressive advances towards final liberty, for which
the previous steps are calculated to prepare the prisoner.
‘sin necestary to explain that ticket of teave is a revocable pardon, and that
a couviet during the period of hin holding its subject to the surveitlance of the
police, and to certain restrictions) which will be bet
extract from the «¢ egulations” Inserted In appendix.
fee «Despatches of Lord Stanley to the Governor of Van Dieman's Lani,
anit the «Tontractions”” of ie James Graham to the commissioners of Pentonville
{he later inserted at page 49 of Ie, report of Surveyor-Genera! of prisons.
1 consists principally in the probationary periods being ca
cH
No. 198 j 305
‘The change that has made in working out the details of the system
into effect
at home, under circumstances more favorable for accomplishin
proposed objects, ees e
Deteils of Discipline
‘The prevent system of convit management is yet in ie infancy,
bat a gars the wo peony perso iii te pone
aM Pentonville ani Portland may be taken ss extrples of eparate
confinement and associated labor, :
As regards the detaile of the separate system, T must refer you to
the repotts of the commissioners of Pentonvil i
tions in my 2nd. report,
stimulis to industry,
le, and to some observa-
» page 47, on the necessity of affording a greater
As regards associated labor, I will briefly ex-
plain the details of discipline at Portland. ,
‘The prison is so constructed as to give each prisoner a small, sepa-
rate sleeping. cell, seven feet long by four fe c
, long by four feet broad, and seven feet
high. ‘The cells are divided by corrugated iron partitions, and open
toa large corridor or hall, affording perfect supervision.”
Lt was first occupied in November 1848, and additional buildings
taving since been completed, the accommodation has been extended
o the present complement of 810 prisoners,
_ The chief employment of the men is in quarrying and leadingstone
for the construction of an extensive breakwater in Portland roads,
This work has tong been deemed 2
object of national importance,
but, until the pra me ieee
icability of executing it by conviet labor was ap?
arent, the great expense provented its being commenced.
In this notice of whieh T have
hich T have given you a copy it will be ob-
served that the inducements to good conduct and industry are very
Eat; © prisoner having the opportunity ef obtaining a remission of
one kalf of the probationary period of penal discipline
In addition to this a system of classification is established for the
ppote of encouraging the men by allowing some privileges tothe
st conducted, and of apportioning @ small gratuity, which is placed
1 en ofthe
constuction may be formed
2k report an tothe deveripiom, page 166,
[Asceably, No. 198] 20
y Feforonee to plates XX and XXT ,
306 {Assen
to their credit, and forwarded for their benefit to the Governor of the
Colony to which he may be sent:
‘The « regulations’? ere annexed in appendix
ner under wl the proeseplae, fom wk
the er cre kpt bythe governor ot chaphin ae ale OF
wey ease has everasn,ia
fection wit the res
jrich @ man has shewn any dissatise
jewing the number
amid ine
wr otherwise during the whole or ay
dustry have been eatisfuctory, 01
ore Jorn in tray Bact with ities, Th
Bere eal nih ae lange-—he expense enormous —the Be
Mal interests of the individuals and of the colonies, in every point
view, momentous,
_ Bac sueeelig 22 couse in wih he getest nana
semble in ig oO Sout af enh and ach eet
secretary of state has sought to profit by it
aneat and depos!
eer ‘Bins to be founded om experienc
onviets may, therefore,
Geriaa a a more satisfactory result than bi
‘there appears no reason to doubt
bithesto beenobtained
Any system that con be devised to meet varied diiultes apd
consie opposing conditions rust have tore than its share of inbes
“tthe form of the badge shat has ben found gonvenieat for tha parpows
spoked gat farther explain in appends.
warty to Tord Stanley and Sir James Graham, who were
ico sate fo 1446, anc to Bat
Wt home depaztinent from
taties of state for the colonies an ny
Cae So sie George Grey, who have occupied these pot
eu?
No. 198.] 307
imperfection. All that can be effected is to avoid the greater and
‘more palpable evils, make the best of the lesser ones, and steadily to
keep in view the main objects to be attained, and to work them out,
in a punctual and common sense w:
‘The records of Parliament may be appealed to in proof of the
fact that there are periods in the history of our convict system, when
the demoralization of every individual who received sentence of trans-
portation was all but certain. No matter what his previous character
right have been, the circumstances in which he was placed were
such that there could be scarcely an exception in this general rule.
If such a rule can by any means, be somewhat modified, s0 as to get
the number who not only escape pollution, but are improved by the
discipline, to anything like « majority (which I do not hesitate to say
is now the ease,) the Christian public of this or any other land, and
all engaged in the work, have abundant cause to be thankful.
As regards the elements of the discipline which have b
n adopted,
Lam firmly pe
suaded of the advantages of commencing in separation,
and if the instruction given during a sufficient period be effective,
and have produced the permanent good whieh its advocates claim, and
Timost fully admit there is no reason to doubt, that with due precan-
tions as to industrial training and superintenilence prisoners may be
associated without the sacrifice of moral advantages already gained.
As faras present experience goes, at least, the result is encouraging.
Some prisoners may shew in association the bad feelings and pas-
sions whieh had been dormant whilst in separate confinement and some
exposures of hypocrisy may take place under the more exciting influ-
faces and temptations to which they are nevessarily exposed, but not
afew behave in a more satisfactory manner at their hard work than
Ahey hae! done whilst in prison, and the great majority make a vigor-
ous endeavor to regain their character, and the position they have for-
feted,
‘The industry of the men at Portland has been conspicuous
tare executed a ve
They
Targe amount of work, and I have every
ope, that when there exists the means of more accurately recording
the quantities, it will be found that the value of their labor will co:
‘Yer from two-thirds to three-quarters of the total expense of the es
‘ablishment.
208 {Assen
‘The punishment of the probationary periods is felt to be a great
aggravation of their sentence by most of the men, but there are very
few, who have been at Pentonville and Portland, who do not sppre-
‘Gate the benevolont designs of the government, oF who etmbark with:
Gt the most grateful feelings andl expressions towards their officers
Jet system, of the causes and
For further particulars of the conv’
con the effects. which have at
prevention of crime, and, generally,
tended the present system of management, I would refer you to the
led “Prisons and Prisoners,” re
accompanying little book cnt
‘cently published by the Rey. I. Kingsmill, chaplain at Pentonville,
He has had great opportunities for observation, and never having
been a partisan of any particular system, his opinion, whichis that of
1 pious and judicious man, is justly entitled to great weight
You will find some observations conceming the application of se
parate confinement in a & paper,” which Ind before the Congress o»
Prison discipline, held at Brussels in September 1847, a copy of
‘which I will send with the report you requested.
Secondly, with reference to the sdministration of discipline in the
county and borough prisons.
Teannot do otherwise than state that the prison discipline of this
country, considered axa whole, isin a very loose or unsutisfactory
Condition, We see here and there traces of the wistdom of our aa:
cestors in the unrestrieteil associations of prisoners leading to the
most extensive demoralization, but there, lappily are now exceptions
Jn some prisons we love ascociation undera rule of absolute silence;
in others, the strictest separation 5 in some, hard labors in othersyn0
means of carrying into effect such a eentence, and between these &
tremes there is every possible intermediate variety.
Nothing, in fict, can be more uncertain than the degree or nature
of ponishment enforced under similar sentences in diferent places.
‘The number of prisons recently erected on the plan of Pentonville
and, therefore, adapted for separate confinement, has, in some me
gure, had its effect in an approximetion to greater uniformity, and it
the end, will, doubtless, exercise a great influence in this direction
Dut, as yet, the advantages which the authorities now possess for &
tablishing some cound and uniform system have not been developed
No. 198,] a0
This, I think, may partly be attributed to the magistrates not having,
in all cases, considered the distinction to which I have already drawn
your attention between the objects andl discipline suitable for a Peni
tentiary, and those which more properly appertain toa House of Com
rection.
It may have been clearly seen that the discipline as carried out at
Pentonville, was not goyere enough for short periods, nor sufficient!
50 ‘ently
penal hits character, generally, to have any effec in deterring from
trime, but the alternative of rendering it more penal by separatecon-
finement, combined with bard labor, hes not always suggested itself,
hence, the system has not been fully worked out.
‘Asa practical illustration of the effect, I may mention that where
the discipline of a prison has been of a mild reformatory character,
it has not unfrequently happened that the inmates of a neighboring
work-house have committed breaches of rule for the purpose of ob-
taining its superior comforts.
I is, I believe, proposed to have @ committee of Parliament om
prison discipline this session, which will he calculated to diffuse infore
mation, and remove wwany of the existing misapprehensions. I trust
‘the 1: sult will be the promotion of some practically sound system,
for public opinion is somewhat unse:tled by the diversity of plans
which bave been promulgated
‘My impression is, however, that for moderate periods, the separate
confinement of prisoners, as a basis of discipline, will win its way by
ite own inherent merits,
Wherever it has been tried in this country it has been greatly ap-
preciated, and, as other prisons come into operation, the influence of
example will be felt
‘The conclusion at which the government have aimed, has been re=
peatedly expressed andl steadily adhered to for some years past.
Lord Jobn Russel, when secretary of state for the home department,
issued a circular in 1837, in which he recommended a separate system
to the consideration of the magistrates at large, and expressed his
own conviction in its favor.
Sir James Graham entertained similar views, and, in a debate which,
310 | Assemanr
took place on the 15th. of May 1849, Sir George Grey stated in his
place in Parliament as follows :
«With respect to the existing system of separate imprisonment,
he believes that the more it was inquired into, the more efficient it
would be found, for, although it would require to be watched with
system which had been not only
bem 2 d and
recommended by persons of great philanthropy, and enlightene
enlarged views, but by experience.”
But it is one thing to recognise @ principle, end another to ep-
ply it
ying the system as acorrect-
My own opinion of the rcans of applying the system as ac
ive discipline for short terms, (which may perhaps, include all under
tix months,) is strictly to adhere to separation, (which is of itself,
distasteful to the vicions,) and to establish a gradation of punishment,
{through which all convicted prisoners should pass. This might be
done by enforcing in all cases for a certain period, some kind of po-
sitive hard Tabor, relating it in favor of employment during the long
er periods.
‘The following explanation may serve to gives clearer view of ray
meaning, : assuming that four classes were established 5
Class 1, Or the lowest wight have six or eight hours! penal labor,
with moraland religious instruction only.
Class 2, Might have four to six hours! penal Tabor, the remainder
of the day being devoted {o industriel employment and religious and
school instruction.
Class 3, Might Lave tro to four hours penal labor only, with in-
struction fe., 88 above.
Class 4, An entire remission of penal labor in fayor of the other
elements of discipline
‘A hard labor machine fixed in a separate eell,* on the tread wheel
or crank machinery, divided into compartments, might be the kind
fof penal labor enforced, One or two months might be determined
#8ee Plates 18 snd 38, 2ud. report.
an
a8 the minimum period to be passed in each class, &e., committed
prisoners having longer periods assigned to ther
Tincline to an opinion in favor of distasteful penal labor, from a
conviction that, in this country, at least, the notion of productive la-
bor is delusion, excepting when the power gained by a tread wheel
or crank machinery is applied to some useful purpose
No deseription of handicraft or manufacture carried on ina prison,
‘ean be enforced to an extent to be called Aari labor in the literal sense
of the term, for it is impossible to coerce men sufficiently ; andif their
good will has to be enlisted, it is by some relaxation of pena! dis-
cipline.
‘The labor that will be found the most economical and productive,
here will be that which keeps the criminals out of prison by the fear
of the punishment
Under a gradation of punishment such as [have sketched, prison-
ers committed for a month or so, would be discharged with a lively
recollection of what prison discipline really was, and those who, by
serving longer periods, had pasced through discipline in its severest
form, would know the fate that awaited them if they returned, al-
though on leaving the prison, they might have attained a class, in
‘which instruction and industrial training had been substituted for pe-
ral hard labor,
‘This latter class would also be adapted for prisoners before trial.
If the question were to be decided on the opinion of the govern
tment, T think there is little doubt that separation would be the basis
of discipline, and that experience would be decisive in its form, pro-
vided it was worked out in a common sense way.
But these questions are settled by public opinion, and it eannot be
fpected that they would make a continuous and steady progress in
amy one dizection without opposing influences and hindrances, and
giving rise to projects of various kinds, and in a quiet way, to alittle
‘gitetion in favor of such as require artificial suppor.
Among the hindrances to rapid progress may be mentioned the ap-
‘thy of some sections of the public, the false views of economy of
312 [Assexace
others, and the proneness of rate-payers and worthy people of mo
erate sympathies “to let well alone.”
Pearton, the member for Lambeth, with whose nites in connection
sin fates of Cop. Maconochies lan i
tung suntene of a eat omenst of abr represented 4y mark,
oni pili a snes i ry be
fig penile Fars jalge to pecoue a repoionels or jor sie
tcace beeen yer twp tenons; suck tee wey usd is
presented for coniertion, o reatia the difrenc of physical pow.
yan aptitude for exeuting work of shy Kind
It would, also, be obviously improper to place in the hands of sub-
ondintes a power of commuting sentence of time into an imposition
of labor. ‘This would be to open a door to every shade of fav ae
oF injustice and oppression, Whatever may be the unequal effec of
time sentences they have, at least, the merit of being more certain
than the imposition of labor.
jr. Charles Pearson advocates productive labor in ngriculture and
most all existing prisons, and thus defer uniformity to a distant day
indeed, but even if there were every facility for establishing 1000 men
on 1000 acres as he purposes, and that instead of dou as to ;
selising more than avery small proportion ofthe ml cot ac
‘an establishment could pay its way, the labor would, generally spea
ing, be an amusement instead of punishment.
Asa system of discipline, it would no: therefore be at all caleula-
ted to deter from crime, but quite the contrary.
Ke
No. 198)! 313
where it may ia this country,
will be a delusion
Tfearthe expectation of realizing profits
My letter bas extended beyond the limits I anticipated, but Fe
not conclude without calling your attention to s
before Lord Broughamn’s committee on the subject of the treatrent
of juveniles. You will find extracts in my second report, page 189
0 169, and some observations on the subject, page 58,
ome evidence given
The treatment of this unfortunate el
most interesting problems of the day
has already been directed to it,
will ere long be adopted
lass of criminals is one of the
‘The attention of Parliament
and I hope some remedial measure
T shall be glad at any
‘ime to afford you further information, and
beg you will believe me,
faithfully yours,
J. JEBB
Lt, Colonel, &e.
P.S, Since writing the foregoing, I have been favored witha letter
from Dr. Issac Parrish of Philadelphia, with « very interesting re,
por of the committee on the comparative health and mortality
length of sentences &c, of white and colored eonvicta,
Ds. Parrish particularly refers to the question of the length of the
Periods of imprisonment, which can be enforced under the separate
Sisiem without prejudice to the mental or bodily health of the pric
soner,
Tiave seen nothing to alter the conclusions at which T ertived
some years ago.
Speaking on moral grounds. 1 should not like to see the period ree
Gave Below 12 montis, nordo X thnk it ought, on physical grounds
to be extended beyond 18 months
seat also say thnt in any case in which there was reson to ape
Prehend any injury to the mental or bodily health, which could to
{ace te the peculiar conditions of separation, that it ought not te
be persevered in, if any other system cen beadopted that is free hoo,
these cbjectious. S35
aid [Aseesemty
‘The following elaborate report received from Prof. Tallent o
Pension Seabee, Eo. superintendent of the New-York Snstix
cre eatin on teenie wich xD =
or the benef that onl oo om at Trenton, ith whe he sonata stem
Im cormroreey uni after the separate 7c WE
Sled ey aga! pon am he
JAMES F, CHAMBERLAIN,
superintendent Ne YerkIattation Jor the BS
P + Seyaare Conersexenr,
peruictiox oF Caettat, Pusisien
™ " ‘Exocann, NowtH Anterior AND France ——A_ Rerosr.
By ord bp Teuesur — G -_
core pentiey Hamberof Prison Association New-Yors
ate Member, ant now Corr oren gelence in the Univesity of Brisa Psi
ae arenah Pre gu kane Scie. Presented Febrary 10
INTRODUCTION
is of my recent
To the following treatise, [ enmnunicate the resolts of my rezent
ilivtion of punishineat, by separate conf
investigations on the iu See ing
in Eta A epatlyring the mat 6
of pera observations, and the facts communicated to me by per
able, tha pom the rime and patience of the reader, to commun
i ions which have engaged
Je most important and leading quest Ete
ore ata tent nation reac Sh
‘ect, are the three following:
14
No. 198.] i 315
First, What is the relative severity of separate confinement com-
pared with that of other modes of imprisonment ?
Secondly, To what duration, on medical grounds, should separate
confinement be limited?
Thirdly, After the expiration of the term of imprisonment, what
is to be done with the criminal?
I shall limit the present communication to the discussion of the
mode and manner in which these questions are answered in the above
‘named countries, and beg leave to refer to my former treatise upon
the penitentiaries of North America ant England, published in 1844,
To obviate the results here communicated, I have repeatedly examin-
ed a great number of prisons; have frequently attended the sessions
of the courts in the United States, England and France, and have
made myself farniliarly acquainted with the administration of jus
tice and the penal laws of those countries. I mention the following
portant of the h T have visited, some of
them repeatedly, and some of them for the fist time.
I, Prisons sPPEuTAINING TO THE SEPARATE SYSTEM,
A. In North America, the States prison at Philadelphia, in the
State of Pennsylvania; the States prison in Trenton, in the State of
New-Jerscy; and the eity prison in New-York.
B. The United Kingdom of Great Britain, contains already 40
prisons adapted to the system of separate confinement, capable of
receiving about 10,000 prisoners, and there are also twelve new pris
‘ons of the kind in the course of construction. In Ireland, the new
prison near Belfast; in Scotland, the prisons at Glasgow and Pais
leys the general prison at Perth; the prison at Dundee, the new
‘wing of which contains single cells; the prison at Edinburg, the new
wing of which is also adapted to solitary confinement; in England
the following new prisons, which are similar to the Pentonville pris=
on, and are built after the plans of Major Jebb, Surveyor-General of
prisons, namely the jail at Liverpool, at Leeds, (at that time unoceupi-
cl), at Wakefield, ia Preston, in Reading, in Weevioa, the Pentonville
and Millbank prison near London, and at Parkhurst, upon the Isle of
Wight, the prison for boys, where each boy is kept during the first
‘month in separate, and for the rest of his time in congregate confine-
ment,
316 |Assesoey
©. In France, the prison for boys in the street La Roguette, in
Paris, and the prison La Nouvelle Force, ia the Faubourg St. An-
toine, at that time incomplete.
TE. Prisoxs aprenratvine 70 Tae Sikeston Ausuan Srstést
‘A. In the United States: the prisons at Sing Sing, Auburn, on
Blackivell’s Island, and the House of Refuge for children in New-
York, in the State of New-York,
B. Tn Great Britain: the Borough prison in Liverpool, the House
of Refuge for boys, the old wing of the Edinburg prison, the prisons
fa Hull, in Manchester, and the convict ships, Justitia snd Warrior,
on the Thames near Woolwich, upon which a modified silent system
prevails. T had besides an opportunity to witness the eiubarkation
for transportation of 200 convicts from Millbank Penitentiary on
board the ship Pestongee-Bomongee: and finally T visited in Paris,
France, several old prisons in which neither the separate nor the
ilent system prevails, as for example, the prisons La Conciergerie,
La Prison de Clichy for debtors, St, Lazare for females, St. Force
and Madelouette.
My examination of the American pi
Ted in consequence of an act of the Legislature of
York, passed May Sth, 1846, by which the supervision of all the
prisons of the State was entrusted to the Prison Association of New-
York, established by myself and others in 1841,
With respect to my repeated examinations of the English prisons,
I would make thankful mention of the great favors I received
through the kindness of the present Ambassador, Chevalier Bunsen,
In consequence of his commendatory leiters (o the most intelligent
‘and influential men,1 was enabled to derive the greatest benefit from
my Visits to the courts, the prisons, the manufactories, the banks,
Ke. To Major Jebb, Surveyor General of prisons, Lord Denman,
and Baron Parke, two of the most distinguished judges of England,
Ms. Teed, and the physicians Baron Brodie and Dr. Ferguson, mem-
bers of the Board of Inspection of Pentonville, { would express my
obligations for the candid and unreserved communication of their
opinions and experience. For the anticipating and truly friendly
Teception vouchsated) me by these and many others, I hereby offer
my most gratefal acknowledgments.
No. 198. | 317
In Paris, the prisons La Roquette and La Nouvelle Force, are
alone interesting with respect to the subject in question. For the
most important results of my investigations, 1 must designate the
prisops of England, and I begin therefore with these my following
communication, and leave the others, as being of less relative im-
portance, for subsequent consideration.
In connection with the medical opinions on the limit of the dura-
tion of separate confinement contained in this article, T beg leave to
refer to a treatise by my brother, Dr. Turovons A. TsttKamrr, of New-
York, on the infliction of imprisonment according to the ends of the
criminal law, which is to follow this article, and which, for its prow
founness, and the depth of its physiological research, will commend
itself to the thoughful reader without any eulogy of my own.
T, Wwar ts THR RELATIV® SEVERITY OF SLPARATR CONFINEMEST cor~
A. Opinions of the English in regard to this question.
ce the penitentiaries adapted to separate confinement that have
been recently erected here and there in Germany, have been con-
structed after the model prison at Pentonville near London, and, ef
pecially, since the English improvements in the physical and moral
treatraent of prisoners may justly serve as examples
prisons of Engiand at fist the silent system, al
confinement in connection with transportation,
and prudent combination of both obtains; and as we are there aided
by a more lengthened experience in legislation, go it is proper that
hese should receive our most careful altention in the introduction of
similar modes of punishme:
The experience gained in the United States, and the alterations
and improvements recently introduced there, increase in many re-
7 in many re-
spects the results which were obtained in England,
Until now, the longest duration of separate imprisonment in al
the pton of Great rian was lined. fo two yeas, Did he
nature of the crime demand a severer penalty, transportation imight
follow imprisonment, or might, without the previous confinement, be
made to continue during life. If the judge determined on separate
imprisonment, the sentence was limited to a duration of one-third ot
one-fourth the former legal penalty. Two years of separate ime
Prisonment were regarded as equivalent to saven years of transporta-
318 [Asses
between the two modes of punishment was left to
In England and Americ, as is known, the law fixes
its within which the judge may exercise bis disereti
and leaves it to him, after the jury have pronounced their verdict,
to mete out the punishment in accordance with the circumstance of
each particular ease. Thus for example, the laws of the State of
Pennsylvania for the year 1829, entrusted it to the discretion of the
judge to punish high treason with from three to six ; forgery with
from one to seven; robbery with from one to seven; horse-stealing,
with from one to four; perjury with from one to five years of ‘soli
tary confinement. (The laws of Pennsylvania punish but a single
rime, that of murder, with death.)
The opinion, founded upon experience, prevails in England and
a, that the public safety requires the cerlainty of punishment
as the consequence of erime; and that the uncertainty in the degree
of punishment which the judge may, according to the circumstances,
inflict, is of less importance. The possibility of the infliction of the
severer penalty would have the desired effect in preventing. crime.
In England it has also been left to the judge to fix, in each particu-
Jar case, the proper relation between separate imprisonment and
other modes of confinement. In case the latter were exchanged for
the former, the duration was liuited to one-third or one-fourth the
period. In both countries it is considered impossible to fix a correct
measure of punishment according to the requirements of justice,
“which could be made mechanically to determine the relation of se-
arate confinement to other modes of punishment. They are there-
fore decidediy of the opinion that this, within certain limits, should
be left to the judge, who is able most safely to apply it according
to the circumstances of each particular case. ‘commonly re-
marked that this discretion may be entrusted to the judge, since only
* men are appointed to this dignity whose character and talents enti
tle them to confidence. In the course of my visits to the public
judicial tribunals of England and the United States, T have observed
that the measure of punishment meted out by the judge was in gene-
Tal so. just, that it was easy to perceive the jury and the witnesses
coincided with him in the sentence. The publicity of the admi
stration of justice evidently works as a practical discipline for the
good of legal order.
In the longer terms of punishment, the change to a period of
from six months to two years of separate imprisonment has had the
desired effect, as I have been assured by the jurists of Ireland, Scot-
offender becomes accustomed to the prison lifes the greater number
za
No. 198.| 319
Jand and England equally. The dread of the people for a two years’
term of solitary confuement is so great, that many criminals prefer
transportation for seven years. In the shorter terms, on the other
hand, a higher minimum than that hitherto in practice in England
seems necessary for the attainment of the object. The severity of) Y*
solitary confinement requires a certain dutation in order to be felt.
Its shortest continuance should be from three to six months, that the
punishment may have a deterring as well as on improving effect.
For minor offences other, and not disgraceful punishments, should be ¢ |
imposed. 1 have found every whete in Great Britain, criminals fa >
solitary confinement who had been sentenced for a few days or weeks
only, who were constantly returning to the prison, and had become
regularly accustomed to the short periods of punishment by which
their criminal lives were'periodieally inéerrupted, until at length as
repeated transgressors, they have to be more severely dealt with, ">
Through the brief, but dishonoring imprisonment of a few days, the
of those thus disgraced, but not improved nor deterred from crime,
find themselves shut out from honest employment, and driven again
to their old practices. In England the judges punish slight offences ;
at fiat with a few days, then with fio ten to thirty days, next with
a few months, and Gnally with two years imprisonment, or transpor=
tation, According to the assurance of Mr, Stuart, formerly police >
magistrate of Edinburgh, at present chiel keeper of the prison at
Perth; one woman in Esinburgh had been imprisoned forty times,
and another sixty times. idleness is the ruling passion of almost all
recommitted convicts. If solitary confinement is to exereise a deter)
ring as well asa bettering influence, it must continue at least for
some months, and be connected with instruction and hard labor.
B. Results hitherto attained in England from the system of soldary
confinement for a period of from one ond « half to two years
The results derived from experience in England, from the system
of solitary confinerment in its largest application, that of two years,
are in every respect favorable, both as regards the moral improve
‘ment of the criminal and bis qualifications for useful employment,
and are 0s follows :
First, Solitary confinement guards the prisoners against mutual
oral deterioration, and in general avoids thi
fr prisons moze certainly than associated confinement. It has this
effect, however, only when the prisoners themselves of their own
will do not avail themselves of any possible modes of communica-
320 [Asseamux
tion, Those susceptible of improvement, and such as are imprison-
ed for the first time, may guard themselves against the evil influ
ences of others in case they have no intercourse with the occupants
of the neighboring cells. Depraved criminals on the other hand,
find, even in separate confinement opportunity for mutual recognition
and communication, (Compare wy former work, page 39.) The
matron of the common prison at Perth in Scotland, informed me that
the former prisoners from Eiinburgh and Glasgow acknowledged
that they recognised each other perfectly, by their humming oF sing-
ing in the chapel. And the keeper of the prison in Belfast. Treland,
told me that the communications of the prisoners in the chapel, not-
withstanding the seats were constracted separately «ss at Pentonville,
hhad become so frequent that the instruction was now given in the
cells.
Secondly, When a sufficient number of good officers chaplains
and instructors are appointed, as is the case al the Pentonville
each prisoner may be treated ace: ring to his individual peculiarities;
The intractible are thus, without resorting to corporeal punishment
rendered sufficiently docile ; the reasonable ones may, through gene
tleness and judicious intercourse be led to improvement. Under these
circumstances, this mile of punishment loses its mowotonous mechant=
cal character, through which many prisoners at Trenton and at Philae
delphin have suffered mentally. in consequence of the entire absence
of instmctors, or the want of a sufficient number of them. The
construction of the requisite buildings, the necessary physical and
mental care of the prisoners, demanding the appointment of a great-
er number of officers and instructors after the moilel of Pentonville,
render this mode of punishment peculiarly expensive.
Thirdly, Wt appears also that at Pentonville the attention paid to
the moral improvement of the prisoners has been more successful
than elsewhere 5 even there, however, very fow have been benefited
from the nuinber.
a. OF old offenders, and
. OF those younger convicts, who from obstinate unwillingness
take no interest ia any kind of instruction. To this class belong
chiefly those criminals who have been coniined in other prisons, and
do not believe that it can be the sincere aim of any one to promote
theie welfare : who regard society as their implacable encioy, and
themselses az involved in necessary hostility with it
eg
No. 198.] 3eL
© OF the mumber of those who, from idleness or stupidity, make
no progress.
These prisoners of the second and third classes wsually fer as
Puch in separate imprisonment, ay Hf they were incomplete solide
‘These classes of prisoners are sent back from Pentonville to the
prisons fom whence they caine and thelr places fled with more
romising subjects, ‘The greater part of thoe who at Pentorcis
wre regarded as susceptible of improvement, have, after thle
large, conducted wel. All reports of the offen. in Avoval
where the prisoners rom Pentonville were sent,
the office ° ee
+s and physicians of the ships in which they were trans-
ported, coincide with the carefully written statement of the talented
chaplain of the Pentonville prison, Mn. Joseph Kingsmill, in this,
particularly, that the large majority of the prisoners discharged from
that prison conducted themselves as free laborers, orderly and indus.
triously and thus gave prools of their improvement,
Notwithstanding the moral results of separate i
zalized in the Pentonville prison are proporioally seer
Ble it is nevertheles® in its effets upon the ect Leseh of ee
rrisoners, so dubious, thatthe question how the meret etree
ot the coves tay be aad witht endangering thes met
lath bas become problem to the English phycicis oot reset
tors, It has been decided in the following menver .
©. The more recent mode of inft
icting punishment by separate im-
prisonment in England. vee
Inthe recent English bill respecting the infliction of separate con-
finement, which during the last session of Parliament wae yoesested
{or consideration, a combined system was proposed, embracing at first,
Separate, and afterwards associated imprisonment, As the English
stiminal colonies are at present in so unfavorable a condition, that it
the criminals pass the period of their confinement at home. The
‘enfinement, elaborated by Six Groxor Grey, secretary of state for
[Assembly, No. 193.) 1
309 [Asseumer
the home department, assisted ns is said by Major Juen Surveyor Ge-
eral of prisons, asserts the moral influence of this mode of punish-
ment to be so favorable that it is intended to make the system gene-
ral modified nevertheless out of regard for the health of the convicts,
so that the perio! of separate confinement shall not exceed eighteen
months ; that it sholl not amount in the average to more than a year,
and that afterwards in case of longer imprisonment, associated labor
by day under injunction of silence, and separation at night shall su
pervene,
For confinement of longer daration, a system is agitated in
land, similar to that which I have proposed in my treatise upon pene
itentiaries, published in 1844, page 162 to 166.
Separate imprisonment is, at frst, {0 be general, but the physi-
cians end officers of the prisons shall transfer to associated imprise
fonment, such conviels a8 ate injured thereby, before the expiration
of the eighteen months. In the separate imprisonment, Jard labor
shall constitute the rule, so as to render the punishment, notwith-
standing the brexity of its duration, deferring in its effec. The
opinion prevails, that imprisonment at Pentonville, although dubious
for the health, does not exest a detersiog influence upon the crim
als, After the prisoners in their separate confinement, by religious
and other instruction, and hard Tabor, are accustomed to a more con-
siderate, orderly and industrious life than was the case in the old
prisons, they are to be employed in the second division, together,
upon the docks, the public buildings, and in the houses of industry.
They are to receive compensation for their labor, above that which
is requieed for their support, whieb is to be kept for them in savings
Danks. The government is to add to such savings a proportions!
amount, to enable the criminal after his discharge, either to emigrate
fF to undertake some useful employment at home, | Those susceptible
of improvement will thus be furnished with a stimulus to good eon-
duct—at the same time it is considered as expedient to operate upov
the mote depraved through fear, and to threaten the incorrigible ot
their discharge, in case of a neve offence, with transportation for life
to Tasman of Norfolk island. According to the opinions expressed
by some English statesmen, it is to be inferred that the incorrigible
‘will be subjected to this punishinent, as soon as the present lack of
criminal colonies is removed.
‘The reasons, which in England, have led to the limitation of se
arate confinement, are,
Gu?
No. 198.] 323
First, The physicians declare a long: is ju
agi, Th hy longer continuance of it prejudi-
Stent, Statesnen and chaplains of prisons, entertain the belief
founded upon experience, that the moral improving influence of the
struction imparted operates favorably only when the prisoner hes
aot Become languid from confinement, on which account, duration
sem ef eighten months i advisable. With his drain the
nt instructors and chaplains at Peltonvile have effected much
good. | This prison deserves eredit in this, as well as in every oth
respect, for its superiority, yaes
Prince Byron of Cuslani, upon’ the new prison syttne nt oe
Thirdly, Experience has there shown, that separat pris it
‘is not equal in its operation as was ' but chat bn a
is not equl ints operation ag wast hat speeds ta ha
teat psons and under diferent olin Ite ode ee
tide reas; and that admits testes of eens Of Ne
Age duran, In oer that the consequent sy nt be ee
cial to the bealth in cizeuinstances
el circumstances where unfavorable modifications
Fourthly, The mode of building, and the necessary physical and
ar pel tee, Consequent upon separate imprisonient upon the model
or elaouville is regarded in England as too expensive to be appli-
ture tor ceils for a period of many years. (The yearly expen
ure for 500 prisoners in Pentonville, according to the 4th and 5th
TEs of the Institution for 1846 and and 1847, amounts to tome
{Lovet 16,000 pounds sterling, without reckoning the interest of
capital expended in the buildings.)
Fifthly, Wis feared that an Ei
ed that an English jury would hesitate to
Dounce the verdict of # gully” ita longer pered of ate fo BRO
» : TOE pd aoe aie
She old English law was in ferce whieh sinned ar, the tne as
havy penalties, tas shown that when the ln of ie area
“not guily* in confit with thei duty, prefer comets penne
ea jury nthe wey, cna pene eae ok
is reforms to keep pace with te snse of june of the eo
324 [Assennuy
While the English people, whose regard for the lav is well known,
through one of its organs, the jury, thus compels the amelioration of
her superannuated penal code, ibe participation of the citizens in the
duty of jorors, difses a lively interest in the maintenance of good
Jaws among the whole people. A general respect for the Jaw is the
surest safeguard of government. The regard which the English le~
gislators have for the jury, in their proposed legal enactments, is,
therefore, easily explained. ‘The above remarks, may suffice for the
explanation of the fifth division,
Only after publicity in the administration of justice has been
troduced. the trial hastened, and the custody connected. therewith
shortened, so as to be less hazardous to the health, can solitary con-
finement, in case it is adopted, be applied without endangering the
health of the prisoner.
D. Is separate confinement equal in its operation?
It has hitherto been generally assemed that separate confinement
was entirely equal in its operation, and afforded, therefore, a general
and sale measure of punisbment. This assumption has not, however,
bbeen confirmed in practice. With respect to the mate
in the operation of separate confinement, which obtain
can prisons at Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Trenton, according to the
peculiacities of the buildings, the officers, the presence or absence of
court-yards, &c., I have already expressed myself in detail in my
work before cited. In England where the Pentonville prison serves
38 a moilel, it has been supposed that separate confinement in alll
sons similarly constructed, would partake of the same character. A
very great inequality notwithstanding, prevails, The Pentonville pri=
son, however, as a model institution, so far excels all the other pri-
sons of the kingdom, as well in the character of its officers as in the
careful and expensive physical and mental treatment of the prisoners
that I have seen no other which could be compared with it. The
officers of other prisons themselves directed my attention to many
points of difference, To this we must add that the young, docile
and healthy prisoners who were sent from other prisons to Pe
Ville, entertained the hope that being afterwards transported to Nev
Holland, they should be free, and thus avoid from seven to ten years
of their banishment in ease they conducted themselves well at Peo-
tonville. This hope served to keep up their spirits better than would
hhave been the case elsewhere and caused them to feel the confineteat
less sensibly. Other prisons did not afford them this hope, While the
rue
No. 198.] 325
sivantges of Pentonville oa preparatory school fora eviminal eo
Iony should be duly acknowlciel mat not be orca
for Germany, which posses to sine ealny, Reece sot
instructive han many ether English prison aha tee
pas the whole af tir contoenest, at meat bat tap eee
isu at Belfast in Irland, a Pech Scotland; sea 2 Laer
ti Preston in Eagland may serve to ilistate here
forme we tht the shoe senenel to ag eat ae
then general dee in ty woe ee
fron fr tern Tt ea ts
punishment is inflicted, are better able to judge et lence ee
Tn i sci yea ie pa
Inltndng pecan, Se cages ec ee
vent In Beli copliel ef the sey
the Pron at Belfast is one of the hest that I have seen. 1
ing. AS to the Improvement dried ou tn noe
ia, om he bil prada toaprc de
tain wel Snows heel he thee ee
Stab nt ope th pel ong
Among the Scottish prisons T slct the general prison at Per
as the most instructive for us. a 4 does
Al the criminals in Scotland sene
{enced to a year’s confinement, or less, spend the period of thelr eos.
tnly in the county prisons ; the men, women, and youth sentenced to
longer periods, up to two years, are consigned to th 0
af Scotland at Perth. T found there in S
oners, 228 males and 98 fecnales.
at Pentonville, and has not, therefure, many of the more recent ine
Provements of the latter. Separate confinement prevail. 0
P nement prevails, the prisons
fr are employed in various mechanieal pursuits, and receive a por.
tion of the proceeds above a certain amount ; have instruction it nes
{aiom reading, writing, not arithmetic 5 tke daily exercise in the
court yard, and are visited daily by the officers and instructors of the
on. Although the domee mrangemen's renee hee
it Pentonville, and although the overseet Mn. Srosnr, and the woz
‘ton Mrs. M. Muutan are excellent peopl r
general prison
‘eptember, 1546, 323. prise
This prison is older than the one
le, still, according to their
326 [Assam
own acknowledgment, separate imprisonment is heavier there than
ft Peutonville, In the otherwise excell
rset every prisoner complained for similar reasons. 7
Fonger continuance of the punishiment and the severity of the Scotch
ereerter, on account of which the treatment on the part of the over-
sree fea mild than in Pentonville or at Philadelphia 5 (the dune
secon andthe handeu were not warequenty wsed at Pert) 5 0 he
sturaging prospect of ewployment ater release, since itis almost
StopossBfe in over peopled Scotland for discharged and disgraced
imPernte to And employment : and also in the pare diet of the prison,
soiniet and tbe like, which is common in Scotland. As the poor
people in Scotland live more fivgally than in Boglandy co this 6
Me an influence upon the prison diet. On the other
funds the care bestowed npon good nourishment at Philadelphia and
piers aville, according to their experience rendered necessary by 8e-
arate imprisonment, {have partly set forth in my former work, page
OF, and shall (ake occasion to mention again. These circumstances
17 aNtction with the milder treaiment at Pentonville, the effect of
eet the prisoner daily feels, wakes the relative severity of punish
saaen it Pentonville and Perth, very unequal, although the domestic
vrangements in both are nearly the same. 1 conversed on diferent
aye in Perth with some 70 prisoners, men, women, and boys All
deolared the punishment very severe, and so deterring in its character
that they would certainly endeavor, not to retra to this prison if em
ployment was afded them ater their release. A prisoner of bet:
Pinan frame laboring at the pump, of whom I enquired whether he
{uit chosen that same labor, answered, that he had, and that it was
patios severe as the oppressive uniformity of the cell, Certain of the
rsoners there regarded the prospect of the cristina at Pentons lc
Pir freedom and wages in New Holland as highly enviable, while st
tor Md be infnitely difficult for them in Scotland as released convict
Tp obtain a living. ‘This also the officers confirmed.
In the English prisons at Liverpool and at Preston, a great ine
quality in the operation of separate imprisonment preva. The
Aieemors af botb, Mr. Gross, at Liverpool and Lieutenant-Cojond
Strarm, at Preston, formerly officers, are men of education and c2-
pability. Jn each prison, Ifound at my visit a new wing with
aeite sells jn which the so called separate system prevailed, whi
Fivghe reat of the prison the silent system was in force. Both so
walled systems, of rather modes of punishment are carried into eect
Tangy, i0 both infittions. Notwithstanding the punishment of
separate’ imprisonment was more severe and deterring, at Preston
No. 198,] 327
since the governor there, had introduced strict military disci
Bat Lined We otienestres ales ot ons
sille. The strict military discipline at Preston exerts so deté nie ad
Feces, tnt tase ee hore vay ow Teniaen, Us Se cba ned
ihe moval Larovement of (G9 crinios| is at wl tieeh The gor”
sag bal aid 0 mes my dincipinewxes th 29 oy
Fels po, tht hess veaciug tolows ge Gegiy seklnt
{hs shouldbe addy that te nourheent a Liverpool was rather
liter For the rst there prevailed in both institation, equal onder
sol Gisalteen 9: talent 4 heh depen of Cestlinen, nt cued
fant oven tn all he Reelin pen The dioceen abure>
fieaed, naka the eine prnbhoent vay uncqual in Ge Ore fie
Bivona 1 ay me le geteceh Gat dune, ed pen
ie not found two in which separate imprisoom bs
is hr then radi oilf al crengesoomnre fi
iheveation betweso selling? Gonfnemenvaal ethers of patie
sar ued ue Bite sae bounded cone ekperaioe OF whet ts
ober modes of confinement are divided by these, ‘and the duration of
talitry imprtonment regulated ccodigly, ser on the whale to
gro vey i papeeon
IL To wnat purariox (oN Mepicat Gaovsns,) snot
Covrinement we Loare. a mvp Serna
Iiphiyvthoat te cove of mein Ten, only afereande hed
they an opportunity fo become conversant with it. Tm my rey ale
visits to the prisons of Great Britain, Ihave found cate
= M of their observation and experience, that a duration of two
bers of the board of directors of the Pentom oe ‘ fave ek:
= ws as are capable froin their position to judge of the re-
tonville, Sir Buss. C. Buovix and De. Fexovsox, physician to the
‘ 328 [Assmney
Queen of Englands and to Major Jers, General Director of all the
prison buildiogs of Great Britain, and member of the Board of Di-
rectors of the prison at Pentonville, and with whom I had became
acquainted, to ascertain their views as to the proper duration of soli-
tary imprisonment compatible with health. ‘These gentlemen have
consented to the publication of the following letters:
“To Sir Benj’n Brodie and Dr. Fergusoi
Loxnox, Nov. 11th, 1846.
Gentlemen—Visiting by order of His Majesty the King of Pras-
sia, the prisons of this country, I take the liberty of asking the fax
vor of your opinion on the period daring which separate imprisone
ment, as a general system, can be applied without the fear of injury
to the bodily and mental health of the convicts ?
Your distinguished position as medical gentlemen in the Board of
‘Commissioners for the government of Pentonville prison,and your great
experience on this subject, render your opinion most valuable for
every country where the separate system is to be introduced and the
criminal code to be modified accordingly.
T have the honor to be, with great respect, gentlemen, your obe-
dient servant 5
A. Medical opinion of Sir Benj'n Brodie and Dr. Ferguson
respecting the duration of separate imprisonment,
ekepiy.)
“Loxnos November 2st, 1846.
Dear Sir,—From the experience which the Pentonville prison has
alforded us, we are Ted to the conclusion that the system of separate
confinement may be conducted during period of 18 months without
injury to the bodily health of the convicts. Indeed we have no rea~
son fo believe that among those who have been or still are confined
at Pentonville there has been a larger amount of illness than would
hhave existed among the same number of individuals of the same age,
and of the same previous habits, if placed under other circumstances.
It appears to us that if this system exercise any kind of deleterious
influence, it ison the mental, rather than on the physical condition
of the convicts. Nevertheless the proportion of those who have su
fered in this manner since the expiration of the first year after the
329
prison was opened, has been very small; and our opinion is, that,
‘under a careful management, founded on the experience which has
been now attained, there are very dividuals, who may not very
tbe made the subjects of separate confinement during a period
Jnteen months. °
‘We have had no opportunity of observing the operation of the sys-
tem during a much longer period than this ; but from our general
Knowledge of the aj omy, we are inclined to doubt whether
either the physical or mental health of the conviets could be inain=
tained if the time of separate confinement were indefinitely prolong
ed, o if the spirits were not supported by the prospect of a chai
after a certain number of months. -
We are dear sir,
Yours faithfully,
B._C. BRODIE
ROBERT
Se
Proressor Tetuxaner,
On arvount of the short continuance of separate confinement at
Pentonville s the careful selection of the healthiest convicts from the
Milbank depot, for this institution ; on account of the alternation be-
tween labor, and properly directed instruction; on account of the
sulficient exercise and healthy nourishment, and especially on account
of the most careful ineilical attendance and mild trealinent of the cone
viets in Pentonville prison, proportionally few of them have suffered
in their mental health, According to the 5th. report of this institu:
tion page 31, of about one thousand criminals who have been con-
fined there during the four years since its establishment, five have be-
come insane, anil twelve have been affected with delusions, (Tatis
chungen.)
_ To the distinguished Major Jebb of the Royal Eugineer Corps,
Surveyor General of prisons, justly celebrated for his able writings
and his construction of prisons 5 and whos
intereourse Was very in-
e ery in
structive to me, Ldirected in October, 1845, the following letter:
Dear Sit,—Being commissioned by His Majesty, the King of Prose
sia, to examine the prisons of Great Britain, I would ask the favor
4 Your opinion on the result of separate iuprisonment in this coune
{6y5 the peviod during which it can be safely enforced, and the mode
n be applied asa general system.
330 [Asoraemey
inguished situation as Surreyor General of prisons, and as
commissioner for the government of Pentonville prison ; your va~
rious publications, and your plans on which all the new prisons of
Great Britain are built, entitle me to consider you ns most intimately
acquainted with all the peculiarities and the working of the separate
system: I have therefore taken the liberty of submitting to you the
above questions.
T have the honor to be dear sir,
‘Your most ob't servant,
F. L. TELLKAMPF.”
MAION J=30) Royal eaeryeyor General of Prison.
‘To which Major Jebb had the goodness to send ine the following
detailest reply:
B. Opinion of the Surveyor General of the English prisons, Major
Jeb, respecting the limite of the duration of separate imprison
ment.
45 Parliament st. 1at, November, 1846,
Sir-—I have received your letter acquainting me with the objects
that have brought you to London, and requesting that I will give
you my opinion on the results of separate confinement in this coun
try, the period during which it ean be enforced, and any inforination
Tean afford as to the mode in which it can be applied as a general
system. The subject of prison discipline is of so much import
and at this time engages so much of public attention, that I at frst
hesitated to enter upon it, but feeling assured from the spirit in which
you pursue your inquiries that you will apply every information you
imay obtain ia furtherance of establishing a sound system, founded
on experience rather than theory, I do not feel justified in withhold-
1g any opinions which the opportunities I have had, have enabled
me to form.
‘The nature and particulars of the discipline enforced at Penton-
ville, the general results which have attended it, during nearly four
ears, would be best obtained from the reports of the Board of Com-
tissioners to which I have the honor to belong. My ovn individual
opinion is recorded in the enclosed report on the construction of the
building, as follows:
“It has been necessary
duties, that T should practi
th a view to the due discharge of my
lly acquaint myself with the details of the
Fug
No. 198.) i 331
discipline generally, and the further experience I bave gained as a
couumissioner of the Pentonville Prison, has led me to
sion, that the separation of one prisoner from another is indispensa-
leas the.basis of any sound system. It would appear, however, that
even should the construction of a prison admit of such separation,
he means. would still be required for varying the administration of
the discipline to suit the varying circumstances under which it
rust of necessity be applied; that whilst it is desirable that a penal
Uiseipline should be steadily adhered to for all con-
vieled prisoners, and that the unconvicted should be protected by
jon, the means should exist of rendering the discipline of the
former class more stringent in. certain cases, by placing crank ma-
chinery in the cells, or making some such provision for giving effect
to a Sentence of imprisonment with hard labor. ‘This discipline
‘would be applicable to those cases where, ftom the shortness of the
period of their confinement, or other causes, there was no reason to
expeot a deterring effect from discipline of a milder and more re~
formatory eharaeter.””
“In the foregoing observations, I refer to an application of the
system, suited for securing the objects in view in this country, viz:
First, A system of discipline of a mild, reformatory character,
adapted to periods of imprisonment varying from twelve to eighteen
mouths, to which the class of offenders under sentence of transport-
ation, and those under similar long periods of imprisonment in the
prisons of the country, would be subject.
Secondly. A system of more penal and corrective character, suite
able for such short periods as would not admit of any hope of efor
mation, and for such characters as might be incorrigible by a milder
system,
‘The principle of separation is admirably adapted to secure both
these objects, but the administration of the discipline should, in my
opinion, be essentially different. In one case, the deterring influence
‘onothers, which is the main object of punishment, is secured by the
long period of the loss of liberty, and the discipline may therefore
be safely relaxed in favor of reformation, In the other, the period
being short, the deterring influence on others will be, the stringent
and distasteful discipline that would be established, during at least
portion of the period of confinement. For this purpose, I strongly
24
332 [Assen
advocate the introduction of hard! Tabor, in combination with entire
separation.
With respect to the period within which, as a general rule,a pri-
soner would be likely to derive any moral benefit by a system of se-
paration, and of how long he could bear the confinement without
injury to his bealth, the commissioners of Pentonville Prison, have
never been called upon to express any specific opinion. Sir James
Grahar Secretary of State for the Home Department,
roduction to the eommissioners, dated December 16, 1842,
hous manner to the objects
of imprisonment at Pentonville, states his opinion as follows:
© Bighteen months of this discipline appear to me ample for its
fall application, In that time the real character will be developed,
instruction will be imparted, new habits will be formed, a better
frame of mind will have beea moulded; or the heart will have been
hardened, and the ease will have become desperate.””
The experience gainet in the working of the discipline during
the past fonr years, hes, in my opinion, eonfirmed the general sound-
ness of these views, so far as the moral effects to be anticipated from
the discipline are concerned. The results, however, have been more
favorable than coukd have been expected from former experience, for
there is every reason to hope that great good has been effected, and
very few of the prisoners have proved to be incorrigible by it,
With respect to the physical effects on the mental and bodily
health of the prisoners, I am of opinion that the period is as loug
as the generality of men can bear, without some prejudicial effect
arising from it, Many might bear a longer period, and some would
fail in a shorter time, but as an average, it is as long a period as I
could share the responsibility of recommending to be enforce, and
Thave reason to know that this is the view of others competent to
pronounce a decided opinion upon the subject.
T feel it right to state that the greatest care, both as regants in-
struction, the administration of the discipline, amd the diet is neces-
sary, in order to secure a successful result for any such period a
twelve or eighteen mon
Her Majesty’s Government having some time since determined on
fa change in the management and discipline of convicts, under sen~
No. 198.] 333
tunce of transportation, who have heretofore been sent to the penal
volony of Van Deimans land, a new system of discipline, to be
atroinistered in this country, and applicable to a greater proportion
of them,-will probably be resolvesl upon. The details are, I believe,
under consideration, and when they are promulgated, it will afford
me much pleasure to give you any information 1 can on the subject.
Tam, Sir,
‘With much respect,
‘Your obedient Servant,
J. JEBB, Major, R.
Surveyor General of Prisons
Dr. Teuxanre, &e., Se.
The details of this new composite system of punishment are
already set forth in the following extract: —
(©) Extract from a letter addressed to Earl Grey, containing the
vieies of Sir George Grey, Secretary of State for the Home De-
partment, on the period of separate confinement, to be enforced
under his authority, taken. from papers on convict discipline, and
transportation, laid before Partiament, February Vth, 1847.
It is not necessary that I should here enter into a minute detail of
the arrangements and regulations which will be required for carrying
out each of the successive stages of punishinent. It may be sullicient
that Y should state that it is intended that the first stage, that of
separate iuoprisonment, should inno case exceed eighteen months;
and that the average terin of such imprisonment should not be more
than one year. It is proposed that this imprisonment should take
plave either in Pentonville Prison, or in uch of the prisons in the coune
try, as shall be ascertained on inspection, to have made arrangements
Properly adopted for carrying out the system of separate imprison-
ment, and in which space accommodation exists beyond what is
tequired for local purposes It is computed, that in addition to the
200 cells in Pentonville Prison, there are, or shortly will be, available
In other prisons, a large number of cells for the reception of prison
8 sentenced in Great Britain to transportation, and measures are in
progress for the erection in Treland of a prison on the model of ~:
Pentonville Prison, for the reception of Irish convicts. It is further
Droposed, that this separate imprisonment should, towards its close,
be gradually relaxed, with a view to prepare the prisoners for the
second stage of imprisonment; employment on the public work:
(Signed ) GRE
334 [Asser
‘The Home office in Lonidon, is in possession of many unpublished
reports respecting the sanitary condition of convicts in separate
confinement, from which the view above expressed, us to the proper
limit of this mode of imprisonment has been deduced as the result
which they seem inclined to communicate freely to other governments.
From a very interesting report hithertoconfided only to the General As-
sembly of Prison Directors of Scotland, with respect to the separate
confinement of youth, I make the following extract:—
(@) Report om the state of mind off the Prisoners in the General
Prison at Perth, in Scotland, by Dr. Abercrombie, and Dr. Chrise
tison,
ainburgh, Aprit 13th, 1844.
“ At the request of the General Board of Directors of the prisons
in Scotlond, we visited the General Prison at Perth, on the 19th and
20th of March last, and again along with Lord Ivory and Mr. Ruth
erford, two of the members of the Board, on the 96th of the same
tmonth, with the view more immediately of inquiring into the situa-
tion of several prisoners, in whom there was reason to suppose that
rental disease in various forms had been induced by the system of
separate confinement pursued in the prison. Our attention, however,
was also turned to the mental state of the prisoners generally, and
Tikewise to their bo ily health, and to the prison «discipline and diet
affecting it.
“We found some of the prisoners suffering under various forms and
degrees of disease of the mind. OF 19 eases which had been reported
to the General Prisons’ Board on the 2d of March, by the Gover
and Surgeon of the Prison, and of which a schedule had been put
into our hands, we found that one had been dismissed in a state of
‘good health, his term of imprisonment having expired; and mos
‘Of the others were improving, but three others bad been added
since the date of the repor, to the list of those in wbom the separt-
tion principle had been relaxed on account of the approach, ot form
ation of disease of the mind.
+ Of these prisoners, in all 22 in number, nine were, or had been
affected with hallucinations, either simple or combined with weake
ness of mind; twelve with weakness of mind only; and one with
hysterie “nervousness, threatening to pass into insanity. Of the
twelve affected only with weakness of the mind, eight had shown
marked tendency to an increase of this state while they were cot
ead
No. 198.) 335
fined separately, and the four others showed the same tendency more
obscurely.
sek”
ws
“Tn the first place, the general bodily health of the prisoners oat
to have heen hitherto good, as may be inferred from their appearance
from the low rate of mortality among them 5 there have been only |
eleven deaths during the last two years, in a population which, |
throughout the greater part of that period, has amounted to about |
330, and fiom the low average of sickness, which in 1843 appears,
from a document furnished to us by the governor of the prison, to|
have been no more than two and a half days for each inmate. | |
In the next place in many of the cases, the affection of the mind)
clearly origirated in eireumstances connected with seclusion ; such as
illusions of the sight or hearing in the night-time, or alarm and reste
lessness from excessive dread of sleeping alone.
And lastly we found that while some of the prisoners, whose minds
had suffered, continued at the period of our visit, to exhibit symp-
toms of mental weakness, and others of excitement and hallucination;
the greater number had very much improved from the time when they
had put each into a cell with a companion.
“We are satisfied therefore that the surgeon of the general prison
acted with judgment and discretion in recommending that in all these
cases, the principle of separate confinement should be departed from,
to the extent which has been prac
From the very detailed report, the following points also, deserve
‘especial mention:
© Tie cases of mental didease lave oceurred chieily among the young’?
conviets, those from 16 to 20 years of age. Sixteen of those ene| **
erated’ were less than 20, and 11 of these not more than sixtee
On the 2nd. of March there were 128 males in the prison under 20
Jears of age, and of these, 69 notmcre than 16, OF the total num
ber 12) per cent have appeared to sustain injory of the mind ; and
among the boys not above 16; no fewer than 18} per cent are si
Jay affected.”
336 [Asseanny
During the period of separate confinement, those limited to two
years it appears, on the other hand, that adit conviets, experience
less mental injury.
With respect to diet the report continues: According to the exe
perience of similar institutions it may be regarded as a proper rale,
With reference to health, for ench convict to receive, daily, 294 02
avoinlapois of vegetable nutriment, and from 2} tot oz. of animal food,
Herewith accord the rales for the diet of the Scottish prisons ; and
it is found that epidemie diseases have appeared in similar institutions
‘where the allowance of animal food was too much dninished.”
(©) Report of the superintending committee of Milbank touching the
duratioeand the modification 97 Separate imprisonment.
‘The same grounds, which with the sanction of the Doctors Awst-
cuounre and Cusisrisos, induced the physician of the General Prison
at Perth to depart irom the principle of separate confinement in
| doubtful cases, and to give to each prisoner mentally affected a come
rade, had previously prompted Dr. Baty, well known as an author,
(translator of the Physiology of Professor Joux Mun.ten, of Berli,)
the physician of the General Penitentiary at Milbank, near London,
to advise the Board of Commissioners of Milbank, to ameliorate the
separate principle, and introduce a composite system.
BOA] Compare the elaborate treatise of Dr. Baly, respecting the dangers
‘of separate imprisonment for the mental health of the convict, and
;, London, Longneau &
“lhe Metico-chirurgical transactions, to
‘\co., Paternoster Row; and also the reports of the Superintending
Aare Has a Na
hinment, March, 1812 and 1843, There is, besides, in the Home
}Department, a report from Dr. Baly, upon the former mental diseases
in Milbank Penitentiary, which was not printed, fo avoid. prejuie
ing poblic opinion agelost separate imprisonment.
‘The following is from the printed report of the Superintending
Penitentiary at Milbank, of the 18th of March, 1842;
«Great alterations have been made in the discipline of the insti-
tution, Tn consequence of a distressing increase in the number of
insane prisoners, the committee, under the sanction of Dr. Baly’s re-
port, which will afterwards be noticed, came to the resolution that it
would be unsafe to continue a strict system of separation for the ta
1849
No. 198.] 337
periods to which the ordinary sentences of ps the peni
ces of prisoners in the penitens
tiary extended. They therefore proposed that the system should. be
relaxed, with regard to all classes of prisoners except two, vie: Mic,
litary prisoners, (whose sentences are in general extremely short) andl
persons who have been guilty of unnatural offences; and that, as to
all other prisoners, the prohibition of intercourse should be Timited
to the first three months after their admission, and that upon the ex-
pation of that period, they should be placed upon a system of modic
fl intercourse, consiting of permision to canverse, turing the|
fours of exercise, with tio oF tore fellow prisons the rigilege|e™
to be suspended for misconduct; and such a classification, with refe-
Fence to age, education, character, and conduct, to be adopted, as
would render the indulgence as little injurious as possible in a moe
ral point of view. The committee also proposed, that whenever the
medical officer should have reason to believe that the mind or body
of any prisoner was likely to be injuriously affected by the disci
tines he should have the power of suggesting a change in the par-
lar case.
“The rules for effecting the foregoing alterations havi ved
t ts is having receive
the sanction of the Secretary of State, were brought into operation
fon the 14th of July last.”” . =
L found these rules in force, during my visit to this institution, al
though the Milbank Prison then served only as a depot for old pri
soners, sentenced to transportation, and who were often detained
there for weeks and months only. Even from Pentonville the prison-
fs cate here for two or three months before their transportati
and were kept during the time in associated confinement.
sociated confinement previous to embarkation, was ordered by S
» Was ordered by
Jawus Geanant, former Minister of the Interior, in consequence
the following circumstance: At the time of his administration, fre-
quent convulsions occurred among the convicts from Pentonville sen
teuced to transportation. No notice was taken of it, until a come
munication respecting it appeared in the public papers, which came
{0 the notice of Sir Janus Gxauax, who instituted an investigation,
and made the above regulation. This circumstance has beea espe
cially alluded to in the Tenth Report of the Commissioners for the
Government of the Pentonville Prison, page 10.
[Assembly, No, 198.] 22
3
2338 [Assraony
(J) Limitation and modification of separate imprisonment at Tren
ton in North America.
In the prison at Trenton, I found, at my repeated visit in July,
1846, with the physician of the Institution, Dr. Coseaax, that simic
lar regulations had, for similar reasons, been adopted. The peculiar=
ities of separate imprisonment were in fact abandoned, as too dan-
getous to health. In the partition walls near the heating apparatus,
intentional openings had been made, through which the prisoners
might commonicate. I found besides, in accordance with the direc-
tion of the physician, here and there two prisoners in the same cell,
‘or laboring together in the court. Dr. Coleman declared freely, that
‘while separate imprisonment had been rigorously enforced, the con-
sequences had been extremely prejudicial to health, and certain other
officers of the prison affirmed that in Philadelphia they were unwil-
ling to toneeal the dangers of separate imprisonment, whi
‘lemen by whom it was introduced, continued to be Inspectors.
confessedly difficult to change one’s preconceived opinions.
ton, on the contrary, the prison was regarded as sometbing novel,
and impartially judged according to its results. As T have express-
a at length upon this subject in my former work, page 47, there is
a lack of instructors and court yards at this institution, in conse
quence of which its results are particularly uofavorable. "Its history
exhibits, however, the effects of separate imprisonment in its rigid
application
We have here, then, three prisons, in which separate imprisonment
has been introduced, viz: at Perth, in Scotland; Milbank, in Eng-
and; and Trenton in America, in which the physicians, with one
‘accord, have, on account of its danger to the mental health, occasion
fed a change from separate fo associated confinement. This result
hhas been attained, while as yet but Ittle had been published on the
subject, and the physicians, independent of each other, were guided
by heir own obsercations. In accordance herewith, we have a Swiss
report, drawn up by Drs Varnett, (vice-president of the board of
health, and member of the commission for the hospitals and houses
of detention,) who says in reference to this subject, among other
things:
© After nine years of scrupulous and careful experience, thirty-one
cases of mental disease, ani! numerous relapses constitute s0 many
facts observed since the application of perfect silence and solitude
which protest against the Philadelphia practice.
reud
No, 198.) 339
< From such fs, ooght not the sate tobe mod
concerns us, who were once warm partizans of a system, the effect
af which, we were assured, would be to reform the guilty, and inti,
e the incorrigible, we deem it the fullllment of a religious daty
to publish the defects of a mode of punishment, in whose appli
tion we participated with confidence, until we discovered our error.”
fied so far as
‘This common result, drawn from a earefil observation of facts i
fiferent countries, teaches us the necessary consequence of the Per
salirites of separate imprisonment. We tasty therefore, regeed
sat proclaimed by the secorling_ experienc of tilted eee
tres, not as the result of chance, but as @ general truth; for where
repeated observation and experience lead to constantly reerring sed
according results, there is no longer room to doubt their reality.
To this must be added further, that
is * that consumption and serofula are
remarkably developed in separate confinement; on this account the
conviets are often pardoned “on medical grounds,”
count of threatening disse belghee
t tion, and commonly die outide the pris.
om This isthe eae nthe Uated Sena well fn Eng
ws for instance, according to; the report of Milbank penitentian
Merch, 1842, out of am aerage mamter of 692 comviae The nin
men and 7 women wer “«
nd 7 women were pardoned “on medical sgrounds”” daring the
preceding year. ee
fas ita constant necesity for lightening the labor of the conviets;
or example, changing weaving for tailoring; and of tlie very cares
{ally treated prisoners of Pentonville, - mae
sical grounds,” ‘
there were pardoned “on me- |
nade,” according to the second report ofthe Institution, page |
3, during the year preceding the 10th of March, ie |
according to the third report of the 31st December, 1844, |
fogs 17 sevens acending tothe fourth report, page 84, during the |
de yen raaghts and aoeording to the fh report page B1, during |
(.) Prison Face,
The remarks of Drs. Anercxoupie and Cunistison, in their come
panicated report respecting the good nourishinent necessary ia se~
Mle imprisonment, have been confirmed in this respect. by the
340 [Assmaux
experience at Philadelphia® and Pentonville. In the Pentonville
prison, a more spare diet was once attempted, a8 such fare was rex
garded in the public estimation to be proper for eriminals; but it
twas found to be attended with danger to the mental heslth of the
convicts, and it was concluded that separate imprisonment requires a
more earef.] nourishment.
For breakfast, the prisoners there have Cocoa-lrink; for dinner,
soup; four ounces of meat weighed after being cooked, and « half
ound of potatoes similarly weighed; for supper, hulled oats. Each
Prisoner has, besides, a pound of bread, with salt and pepper daily,
Although this diet is better than that of most poor laborers, we stil
find in the 4th Report of the Institution, page 41, under the head of
Extras for sick prisoners, for sugar, wine, &e., £130,10s, 7d. sterling.
Dr. Bess, the physicion of the Tnstitution, labors like a father forthe
sult, and was assured by
eonviets, in order to attain a favorable
is as favors
the officers there that a similar case is necessary to ob
Ble results in separate imprisonment, as is effected at Pentonville.
(8) Limitation of separate imprisonment swith respect to the moral
‘mprovement.—Experience acquired at Pentonville and Parkhurst
4m this respect.
It is highly deserving of altention, that even for the moral ine
¢ tof the convict, according to the expesience of the Per
Ff onville Prison, the rst 12 of 15 months of separate imprisonment
jorore
conclusion there, that on this account, this mode of punishment ought
not to exceed 18 months, The detailed report of the Chaplain
‘Kingsmill, contained in the Fifth Report of the Commissioners for
the Pentonville Prison, 1847, page 42, wherein he gives the expe
rience of that Institution since its establishment, with respect to the
1000 convicts hitherto confined there, is, in this regard, very em
couraging. Mr. Kingsmill expresses the above mentioned conelision
and says, “ The loss of freedom and society, so necessary for a tine,
even according to the opinion of the prisoners, will become intle
able when they feel that they are prepared to be useful; and the
question arises whether any further good can be attained by a longet
exercise of the passive qualities of the mind. I have therefore
desired to see a well onlered system by which the religious and soci!
faculties might be actively exercised before the prisoners come fo!
their solitude into the world. This is necessary to the attainment
CP [works more favorably than aflerwards. They have arrived atthe
* Compare my former work upon Peniteatiavics, page Ue.
No. 198.] a1
the object in view, viz: the fulfilment i
eid is ent of the duties of active life in
Mr. Kingsmill proceeils—« F;
this class, when assembled before
that after a certain period of sey
Yor the condition in which T foun
this embaraton Tm pra
fle of astociated Into, instruction al religions, care need
good might be accomplished. Really tnprored oye ee neeh
bave seen them on board the tansport shige, pve Monsen acl
Lo thi fellow prisoners the greater miner are mete efi
how themselves capable of "eter feelings ef oa
pable of elevation tothe betoe
Win and the emily depraved mould be cone cen of a
pessible in separate imprisor Agha aried
ee a seperate imprisonment, and would be teste ses
dee Thde veer mit have pain wht
tel nt eine an interest ant conene
ith the improving,
mprovement alrea
the desired goort will be accomplished.” 8
With the views of Mee Kingemi, oun
dead accu
certain conchsions in
the new fticion of punie
nay be drawn, Por adoring
its only the younger and a
sceptibe of improvement
The Parkhurst
Pan Prison stands upon the Isle of Wight, and consists
sates Th di Bec ye rg
ie, The ene pion is und the eperienterea e Seun
ate formery am eficer; und the recent see te SeoeeE
Gover ne OF the Chaplain, Mr. Waray. Both seemed to meee
Sie Beene, devoting thetslves bevy to ther eins a
Bled oo enone it Separate seats. The mingled system io an?
Berets follows : The newly admitted begs are, during the first 4 be
sed etal sane cine, tate tow wg ie
ie "ployed. They are there treated as the boys ¢ the
tion a Roguette, or a the ails at Pentonenn ene the
lostructed in religio Vo al
ted in religious and other useful knowlege, directar tank
directed to self
ue [Assur
ein and acount cele, oder and easiness
elect a eee evil habits, The older ‘boys eter the ober
weaned om omit pe tT thee the tego are ol
prion he Pee eee ened yn tt eet ee
Par apa They labor i common, and re
sree eles, in vligin, reading, wring, imate, go
graphy, history, gymnastics, &e. The boys evinced in the o0ls,
rN Peas owt uy a lige
sr Thad ua! OP nate ence seemed (aod the
2 ean yc to ne wig tl
Fe area, agit acs The Wss te ge
A eat by ithe reter pata the fa
a ey etn cumin of Eg fr
wpe ire eed ani en pled
Sealy ad one put dion of boys working in the Se
Se andthe ave employed sea
me Pause ion, wer over They ft
ape et re es ah aut at Peston
mr ge ay ene pei The aps march
ra chu tool alt lye hel
ees hi woe ied connese an ly de thee
‘ee ofan tater. Tis igi to wis hve rans
tari indecp sence pon thei
eer ey pe adden transition to cerZl tumult, the moment ie
Fa hs toon a te bl Hgs fr abt 9
sigue FY tothe employment
‘The boys appeared to be very healtby, cleanly and orderly, 2
tho chaplin, instructors aod officers expressed themselves wells
faleith the moral improvement of the most of the boy, erin
Lilinved good conduct, and honesty in conversation and mer
by contin ceton thy bad been wey onrelinble, T
ison laid before parliament for the
Feports relating to Parkhurst p :
Jon three years, contain many interesting facts in this respect.
42
BAS
Hitherto the boys have been sent from here to Australia to spend
the last year of their punishment. ‘They have been usually transport-
el with the conviets from Pentonville, and the best among them ob-
tained their freedom in the colony ; the less reliable continuing
der cestraint. It has recently been determined however, to apprentice
the boys, who appear to have been improved at Parkharst, to arti-
sans and farmers, as is done with much success in America, under
the condition that those boys, who conduct themselves badly in this
relation, shall be returned to the institution, and there finish the rest
of their time of punishment. For the possible returas of the boys,
their masters, and the eounty, in common with the police authorities
shall take care. From the experience in America it is to be be-
lieved, that by far the greater number of such boys, are orderly and
industrious, and become useful citizens. ‘The really improved boys
devote themselves zealously to the families by which they are pro=
tected, and those not improved know, that the rest of their punish-
tment bangs threateningly over them, and that they will have to re-
turn to the prison, the moment they conduct themselves badly.
‘The opposers of this measure in England fear, that the whole sys
tem will not be suficiently intimidating, and that poor parents will
the more willingly incite their children to theft and dishonesty, ia
order to have them brought up at the public expense.
This doubt, however, with regard to such measures eannot be avoid=
ed, for if parents are so completely impoverished. or so heartless and
vile that they seek to rid themselves of their children by leading the:a
to-crime, the children should be freely placed in houses of correction
upon the model of Parkhurst ; for it is these very children, thus neg-
lected by their parents or guardians who constitute the ever renew
ing harvest of criminals. It is precisely lere that the root of the
evil may be grappled. It is moze christian like, more consistent
with the public safety, and cheaper withal while they are young, and
corrigible and docile ; and upon this docility everything depends, to
train them up to usefulness, than to permit thei to live by beggary
and theft at the expense of civil society, until at length, hardened
in crime, they must be convicted and imprisoned o¢ transported, and
this too at an age when they can as hardly be reformed as an old
crooked tree be straightened. As has been said, it is impossible, as
ale, to improve old criminals even in the excellent Pentonville
prison, The careful nurture of children is the surest preventive of
‘rime, and one of the best means of promoting the public safety.
Tk would be anomalous therefore to expend such large sums as is done
4a [Asses
upon penitentiaries, and to be so sparing of the means necessary for
the proper nrte of ilren. yesh badly eppied eonony 2.
ciety brings upon itselt the most serious injury s for the public safe-
{y i continually threatened and injured, by the ever inereasing’ aun-
Ders of neglected youth, however the courts ard the prisons may be
filled from the rushing stream of abandoned criminals.
i ely Sseciny wai Nao nap wa aL
see Face antering Sey tn crdes tat ash loll
serv ae wi a veg to haplopemstls al Wendsbment should begin
Th Sect hecar of tate eatin ombioed ot ard be
eee ea ohn le and regrnt offndens
Measures of this Kind are necessary, for T found everywhere ja
England the prisons filled with a disproportionate number of ver
who had frequently already suffered one or more brief
ynment. Upon inquiry as to the causes of this ci
cumstance, I found them to be, in general:
ve 1 instruetion, in con-
First, Neglect, from the lack of good parental »
sequence of the early loss of parents, elopement from them, or ill
treatment of step-parents.
1 ed. The great
Seconily, The taste for pleasure too carly awakened. The g
er tuber of those youth bal stlen in orderto frequent the hear,
porter houses, Se. 5) this evil isso keenly felt tht the public alle
Tom i directed to the necesty of @ more carefl and cunprchensive
invtruction of the people. The greatest dificully in this reapect
consis in the tt hat compulbory attendance at schol is regard
ts incompatible with English freedom, ‘The eauses of this early de-
pravity He however less in the want of school instruction than the
Prat lacke of hourehald discipline, ‘The disposition and charset
athe child is formed more in the fanily than in the sciol, and the
Tatler can ery seldom supply the place of the former, Inatitions
Tike Mettray only, to which we shall hereafter allude, answer this end
the most perfectly,
In the borouigh_prison at Liverpool, I found a remarkably large
number of juvenile delinquents, who in fact belonged to the age of
childhood. They were not there, as at Parkhurst, detained in sepa
fate confinement during the fst part of the tsne? but the boys o&
cupy one division and the gitls another. In both divisions they are
constantly together. The instructors complained of the impossibility
a
No. 198.] 245
of promoting reformation, and of the constantly relapsing chiltre
and gave their decided approbation to the mode of instruction at
Parkhurst.
Lord Dexwan, the distinguished Chief Justice of England, before
mentioned, declared to me from his observation, that the constantly
renewed critnes of children and youthful offenders, arose froin the
fact that there are a class of people in England, as with us, living
from the proceeds of crime, among whom were very wealthy persons,
namely, pawn brokers, who played the part of receivers with great
cunning, inviting children and young people to crimes and then upon
the trial, attempting to screen themn as their instruments, by which
a ceaseless burden was cast upon the police and the courts. The
justice of these reimarks I had myself an opportunity of corrobora-
ting, from the expressions of certain of the boys imprisoned at Liv=
expool. To my question whether they did not perevive that it world
be better to lead an honest life, they replied, ‘that they feared, ater
their discharge they should again commit crimes they had no money,
‘and must therefore hasten back to their old haunts, where they were
acquainted with many bad people, who would again as before, take
ailvantage of them, until they should again get into prison.” One
of them, to whom I related that the New-Yerk Prison Association
Sought to protect the discharged convict against new errors, and ob-
tain work for them, interrupted me eagerly with the request, O can
you not send me there, as soon as T atm liberated; I would like to go
Were, where T could again Jead an honest life.”” All I could do,
‘was to enlist the interest of the officers of the prison in his behalf.
At Wakefield prison, one swing of which, containing
cel is occupied by boys,
about sixty
I spoke with some 30 of them, most of
hoin had already been three or four times in prison. ‘They had
tween led into theft and burglary, not by poverty, but by vagrancy
and frequenting theatres, taverns, &e.; were orphans, or had eloped
fiom their parents, and had lived in infamous lodging-houses, noto=
tiows for their connection with receivers of stolen goods. In this
way, much time had elapsed before they were arrested and punished,
This early and deeply rooted depravity, must, by proper training in
the family and school, be obviated. Such prevention of crime is
evidently of more importance than its subsequent punishment.
The boys in Wakefield prison, remain in separate confinement due
Fing the whole term (at most two years). The effect is, notwrith-)
Sauding, neither deterring nor reforming; they retwmn as often as,
#5 +
6 [Assexony
jwhen associated imprisonment prevailed, These facts show that
[neither ssstem prevents relapses. The most certain method of ob-
taining this end, is by proper care for neglected children, employ-
tment, or the adoption of them into respectable families, as is done
in the United States. Without care for the neglected, relapses are
\tinavoidable. During the first year after the opening of the Wake-
field prison, the boys were as rigorously confined a at the prison La
Roquette, and were only allowed a little exercise daily. The conse
quence was, that very many became stiff in their knees, and besides
very weak and unhealthy. ‘This disappeared as soon as the superia-
tendent allowed them to engage in football and other sports. Tbr
hoys nov receive their instruction, and engage in theie amusements
in common, and are healthy since the change.
From this experience I am little inclined to place entire conf.
dence in the favorable reports which from time to time we receive
respecting the prison La Roquette as for example in the Gazette Me
dical de Paris XVIey Année Troisieme Série, Tome 1, Feuilleten
Une visite aur prisons cellulaires de France, page 906 ~919. The
experience of Wakefield prison sanctions the inference that the con
tinued separation of the boys through many years in the prison La Ro-
quelte would have a very prejudicial effect upon the health, and in fae
the frequent deaths in this prison are notorious. This. prison was
not originally intended for separate confinement, but was constructed
after the model of Bentham, in vogue in England some thirty years
since. It is notwithstanding as well
allow, and the instruction and treatm
good. Many of them appeared, however, when I visited the instil
tion in December, 1846, in comparison with the boys at Parkhurst
very pale and feeble. ‘The malaria of the fever was suggested ‘0
me as the cause of this appearance but the air seemed healthy
‘The prison lies open, and is surrounded only by low houses. As the
complete examination of the French prisons, and their results, i
much more difficult than in England, so it is less easy to decide #8
to the effects of the prison La Roquette ; and as I was informed in
Paris that the results had been communicated to the Russian minister
at length, I shall pass them over in silence.
Unfortunately my time would not permit me to visit Mettry,
institution according, to general report, is one of the most itr
structive. At the same time with myself, Messrs. Granstov (a 1
Iative of the English Minister of Commerce,) and Chaplain Toasts
ted the Parkhurst prison. Both gentlemen had but a short tine
iG
No. 198.) 37
previously spent considerable time at Mettray, and preferred the ar-
rangements of the latter institution so decidedly to those of Park.
hurst, that they purposed to attempt the modilicetion of the institue
tion near London, with whose oversight they were connected, viz 1
“ The Philanthrophic Society, St. George's Fields, in Middlesex,”
for abandoned children, after the model Mettray.” ‘They ackuow-
ledged the undertaking to be a difficult one, forthe secret of success
jay not so much in Mettray as in M. Dewerz. Only a man, who,
like M. Diner, bad made the reformation of joerle deinqers
the object of bis life, and had devoted himself” to this object with
his whole soul, with conspicuous talent, with waruth of feeling and
fines of character and who knew how to animate his associates
with similar zeal, could hope to effect as much good as had been
accomplished at Mettray. From what I have read of Mettray and
M. Dewer2, this judgment is undoubtedly correct, and therefore it is
difficulty, although not impossible for a state to establish similar ine
stitutions under the direction of similar men,
According to the printed reports of Mettray, the fundamental
principles upon which this Kolonée Agri@afe™ are founded ate the
following :
Ast. In the employment of accomplished teachers in the education
and training of the boys
2nd. In the formation of little family circles with an instructor at
the head, and separate apartiments for each so-called family.
3d. In the use of moral suasion instead of force in the manage.
tment of the boy: ment =
4th, In the healthy employment of the boys in agricul
rent of the boys in agriculture, which,
ato alfords less opportunity for intercourse than sedentary employ-
5th, In the combination of liberal contributions f
tributions from private per
fons, with the support and protection of the government
M.Demets bas sought to make the arrangements at Mettray|
coincide as nearly as possible with the family economy. i
ciple comes the nearest to the nature of things,
Dest nursery of all social and
lected children suffer more than f+ i
wfler more than from any other cause, as I think T
ave already shown by the examples in this respect, borrowed from
‘This pring!
The family is the
i virtue. For the want of it, neg-
848 [Asseauur
England. The nearer, therefore, that an institution for juvenile
offenders approaches the family relations the better it is. This is the
great merit of Mettray. Under the careful guidance of an unpaid
teacher, who renders his service solely out of love to the cause, every
40 Voys occupy a house and garden. The whole establishment
numbers many such teachers and houses. The instructor lives with
the boys constantly, teaches and Jabors with them. Confidence and
fection animate both instructor and pupil, rivet them to M. Demetz
il effect the well-known favorable results, In all the recent
Penitentiaries of France, at Mettray, Bordeaux, and Marseilles, &,
for juvenile offenders, agricultural employments have the prefere
Tnsiitutions of this kind are constantiy multiplying in F
for instance lately in the Department “de Maine et Loire” and
Aube.” The prison de la Roquette, although to be regarded as a
well intended effort, boasts no imitators.
| Saunas
| 10 we review the communicated resulls of the experience obtained
Jin England and America, and ask, what is to be recommended, the
Ejanswer aust be as follows.
f | ‘The prisoners in Germany as well as in England, already built, or
|in the process of constiuction with single cells and courts, should
2
? ie °,
First. For the abbreviated detention consequent upon the present
[public proceedings of criminals before judgment
Secondly. For ail convicts sentenced to houses of correction com
pulsory labor, or labor upon the fortieations. OF these, however,
the following should be excepted. Separate imprisonment isnot to
Ihe impnsed upon: Ist. Consicts whose health requires a different
\mmode of punishment: and 2nd. those sentenced to imprisonment for
Nite for it would be eruel and useless to retain these for a long tie
in the costly and iventally injurious separate imprisonment. As wel
‘with respect. to the mental health, as the moral improvement, ani
the great expense of separate imprisonment, it is advisatte that the
feonvicts should pass the frst period of their sentence, perhaps 12 or
38 months in separate confinement, being treated, employed, and ine
structed daring this time as at Pentonville and Parkhurst, only the
labor should be more severe than itis thee, in order that the punish+
149
No. 198.] 349
ment should exert a deterring influence upon the great number of
lazy criminals. i ]
Accofding to English experience, it is deemed inexpedient with
respect to the health, the ioral ioprovement of the criminal, and
the expente ofthis todo of punishment, to extend the period of sepe
rate confinement beyond 18 month of 2 year I'sm likewise oe
Siliog @ nemeent« lager pee
Should the experience ia England and America be held as satisfne~
tory the fest period of separate imprisonment might be fixed provi-
sionally, at, peshaps, 18 months, and then the question might be ald
before a commission of Gerthan Physicians, as to what duration se-
yarate imprisonment might be applied as a general moe of ponishs
tnent without danger to the mental health of the convict. The cri
minals may, daring the time of separate punishment, receive. mor
instruction than in-astociated confinement. ‘The chapels in all pr
fons without exception, should have separate seats, similar to Pen
touville, for service upon Sunday and for instruction during the week: |
As every English and American prison is placed under the super-
intendence of a number of men, who ate paitly officers and partly
citizens, and who bear the natne of + Inspectors,” or “ Commission:
5,” &e., s0 it would be advisnble here, to constitute a simi
petintendence of officers and private men, who reside in the vicinity
of the prison, « L have expressed myself at length on this subject in
nny former work, page 115, 117, to which I refer.
tot tated with erly. The authority might be confided to thet
in connection withthe physicians and oficrs of the prison, asin
England, first to trate those prisoners whose health begen to su
fe from the effete of separate confinement; and. secondly, they
Should have the sight, withthe approval ofthe superior edit:
prefer it, bs sesh might
‘The number of those who of their own accord should preter sepa-
fate confinement during the whole term of their punishtuent, would
cvidently consist of the most docile. Many of these, in the prisons
of the United States and England, seek to avoid all association with |
the other conviets, so as to be less easily recognized by them after |
350 [Asseuscy
‘their discharge. It is clearly advisable to accede to this request.
Selecting separate confinement of their own accord, they would be
|enabled to bear it more easily, and with less danger for their snental
health. Thirdly, the above mentioned Board of Superiatendence
| night be authorized to designate to the superior adtinistration such
‘convicts as are especially depraved and injurious to the others, and
to recommend that they be Kept in separate confinement as long af-
“er the expiration of the frst period as may be advisable, Female
convicts should be confined in separate prisons, or at least in sepa-
rate wings. In England, these are under the superintendence of the
Chief Keeper, the Matron, and a number of worthy ladies, which last
from time to time, visit the female prison. A similar arrangement
might be recommended for Prussia.
‘A committee of Indies is connected with the “Prison Association
of New York,” to whose assistance many a female convict is indebt-
ed for her return to virtues
Even in the best prisons it is requisite that members of this Board
of Superintendence should occasionally visit the convicts, so as to
obviate possible misusages or neglect on the part of the prison offi:
cers. Without such supervision, modifications foreign to their o
nal objects, may easily be introduced into any prison. For the dis-
plinary authority of an officer may be so much the mre
abused, as his patience will be so frequently tested by the conv
‘Where this supervision is wanting, the greatest cruelty may be exer
cised, without coming to the light. ‘The mild discipline and govern-
ment of the prisons in Philadelphia is to be ascribed more to the
benevolent and humane influence of the Quakers, and the Inspectors
‘who think with them, than to separate imprisonment; without this
supervision, this system may be easily changed to the most cruel
‘mode of punishment. No system of punishment but requires the
most careful conduct and treatment of good Officers, Instructors and
Inspectors.
To harmonize the infliction of punishment by separate imprison-
ment with the criminal code, there should be a legal measure of the
relation of separate imprisonment to the modes of punishment bither~
10 in use. As Thave already observed, this measure, founded upon
experience in England and practically established there, regards each
month of separate imprisonment as equal to three months of trans
n or other confinement. This measure is there considered,
by jurists and the public, as generally just.
No. 198.] 351
The judges may continue to sentence according to the penalties)
provided in the codes they must, however, be charged so to apply}
the above measure, as to estimate in Tong. Sentences, the frst period
of 18 months separate imprisonment as equivalent to 41 years of
tiber confinement. ‘The judges may, accordingly, in their sentence,\
fx the duration of separate and associated imprisonment, or simply
sentence according to the penalties provided in the code. Tn the lat
ter case, the above mentioned board of superintendence should be
empowered to apply the general measure suggested for the continu
ance of separate imprisonment in each particular case.
In the cases previously suggested in which, first prisoners of their
own accord prefer separate cominement, or secondly those whose ine
fiuence would be injurious to the others, and therefore remain in sep-
arate custody beyond the first period of punishment, a limited abate-
tment only, of the remaining sentence should take place, A greater
abbreviation should only occur in the way uf pardon 5 for criminals
who are sent back from associated to separate imprisonment, as
punishment, no allowance should be made,
The drea of being removed from associated confinement to they
cells, 2s a penalty for bad conduct will suffice to pursue order and
lence, without resorting to the severe corporeal penalties, with which
the Auburn or silent system in America is justly reproached. Tn the!
female prison at Sing Sing, and in all the English prisons named in
the commencement of my report, in which I found the silent system)
in forces all bodily inflctions as disciplinary punishments are discard-
td and instead of such dnfitions separate imprisonment for certain |
days, weeks or months in the cells, of which a sufficient number is
provided in each prison, suffices. The silent system in its application
in England, has, therefore, acquired a milder character than it had ~
originally in America, \
Tn the punishment of criminals, sentenced to five or six years
of confinement, it would be advisable to change the confinement]
according to the proposed measure for separate imprisonment to 1wo}
years; and not to allow of associated imprisonment at all. Io larger}
terms of punishment it might be advisable bere as in England, alter|
the termination of the first 18 months to continue the separation at |
Bight only, and permit associated labor by day. By the proposed al-
tenation of both modes, the punishment itself will acquire such an
slisticity in its application, that it will be possible to avoid the doubt-
fal points of the Philadelphia and the Auburn system, and to com-
Vine the advantages of each.
3
ick
1
352 [Assracuny
The convicts in associated imprisonment, should be carefully class-
ified according to age, health and education, as developed at the trial
ani! in separate confinement. They should Tabor in small divisions
of perhaps 25 men. Horticulture or agriculture should be recom.
mended as the employment in spring, summer and autumn, and me-
chanical oF manufacturing industry only during the winter; and in
‘ease these employments were insufficient for the whole number of
conviets, In this respect, the successful experiments at Parkhurst
in England, and at Meltray are very Agriculture and
horticulture separate the workmen more than manufacturing employ-
ment, prevents therefore, more easily all communication—faciltates
moral discipline, as is everywhere demonstrated by agricultural peo-
ple—promotes health, and exerts particularly favorable influence in
scrofulons diseases, which, in separate confinement, are very speedily
developed. Fresh air occupations, are in Mettray, re-
ractive,
id far
sons garded as the best medicine, and in the best_manufactories of Eng-
Tand, the effort is now made to induce the workmen to employ their
evening hours in horticulture, for the sake of their physical welfare.
‘These facts deserve consideration also, in connection with the pre-
sent subject.
There are in Germany still many tracts of waste Iand, which by
irrigating or draining, and above all by careful labor, might be ren-
« dered productive. AS the State has to provide for thousands of con-
viets, requiring no wages, bat cells, coarse clothing. and simple diet
only, and as the management in Prussia is geneally economical, it
to be expected that in this manner, tracts of land aight be male
productive, whose produce and value would at least equal the labor
expended upon them. In this way peaceable conquests. might be
S made, and the general welfare promoted. It might, therefore, be
advisable to erect prisons in such districts, with perhaps 300 cell
especially in case new prisons are to be built; oF old prisons con
‘veniently situated might be fitted up with cells
Jo Fngland extensive tracts have, by irrigation or draining, and
this too by free labor, been rendered productive.
comparatively small numberof soldiers would sic to ea-
ish «cordon around the conics we Iborng inthe fell 0
to prevent exper a Sing-Sing 25 men armed with loaded wet
furore solve i aevcal open anog.a {hound ponvier
faace, ‘This ot so difeal's would tppeat to be, forthe we
wicts know that not only these 25 men ut every eitizen would
1e44
No, 198.] 358
interested to send them back to prison in case any should attempt to
scape. Should it be thought necessary to employ a larger military
gard, which in our circumstances might be advisable, few batten
lions would suffice to watch over the associated bands of convicts
employed in different places. Th this way the military might render
the State a very substantial service, which, however, might be dis.
pensed with in winter when the conviéts were employed in thelr
workshops at mechanical or manufacturing labor.
With respect to the latter employments itis known, that in Ger-
many as well as in certain of the United States, the artizans and
manufacturers have complained seriously, that the labor of convicts
vas hired so cheaply by the contractors, they.were in a condition in
consequence of the greater cheapness of the ware produced in prison
to undersell and supplant the free laborer in the market. To afford
no ground for this complaint it would be advisable, either, as in the
Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia, to admit no contractors and to
sell the wares at the market price, so that the prison in this respect
would stand upon the footing of a manufactory; of, as in the houses
of industry at Bremen, to labor for export. By these means the
‘monopoly of the contractors, which classes with the free labor of the
mechanic and manufacturer would cease. If no contractor enjoyed
‘he monopoly of the cheaper and uninterrupted labor of the convicts,
and ifthe products of convict labor were sold in open market as oth
er products are, there would be no
sup-
While unetoployed, and obtaining a livelihood by criminal
‘wcans they have been imprisoned, and if they labor there no one
Would complain, if their employment by contractors did not disturb
the regular course of trade. Where this is not the case such institue
tions stand upon the footing of manufactories, of which no one com.
Hlains. That the prisoners should manufacture all the articles need
Gl by the prison, for example the clothing for the prisoners, repairs,
24 L have already set forth in my work before cited. At any rate
‘he complaints referred to, and the difficulty of finding useful and
healthy employment for the criminals would be avoided, in case
‘culture and “agriculture should constitute the predominating pur-
suits,
Industry and good conduct, should, as in England, be rewarded,
[Assembly, No. 198.] 23
354 [Assxsemy
Pirst, By compensation from any possible surplus of earnings ;
which should be deposited in savings banks, to enable the convict at
his liberation to embrace some honest employment or to emigrate,
(The latter is particularly advisable.)
Secondly, By recommending the discharged conviets to the prison
societies, who should aid them with good council,
‘The most important consequence of this consists in the fact that
the liberated coniet rho desires fo lead an honest an bxtr Iif
protected by such a society, and freed from the influence of former
fellow convicts. Tt is well known that discharged convicts often ex-
ecise a very injurious influence upon their former companions by
threatening to expose them. Many a convict is thus prevented from
leading an honest life and incited anew to the commission of crime
is is one of the reasons which led to the introduction of separate
confinement in Philadelphia, This reason ceases to be of force, how-
‘ever, a8 soon a8 the discharged prisoner is protected by the Prison
Association,
‘The experience of the New York Prison Association affords the
ratifying evidence that the greater number of liberated convicls
prefer an honest to a dishonest life, in case they are placed ut
der the guardianship of a society of respectable men. This fa!
is regarded there also as removing one of the weightiest objections
to associated imprisonment. Even separate imprisonment, without ¢
similar care, as I have expressed in my former work, page 151, is
attended with relapses. In this respect, also, the question depends
Jess upon abstract systems, than upon the manner of their applica
tion.
‘The Prison Association of New York, advises the liberated com
viels to acknowledge themselves as such to those by whom they ate
employed. ‘The Agent of the Society does not withbold the fact tht
the proteges are discharg ‘The demand for labor is thee
ft» great that the Agent is in circumstances to obtain employment fot
those seeking it. The two following examples may suffice, instead
of many others that might be quoted, to show that the open acknowl
edgment of having been in prison has been advantageous to dir
charged convicts. A discharged convict in New York conducts #
hotel which is patronized by the wealthiest people, and another sisce
his discharge has amassed a respectable fortune 2s a chemist, Both
‘ceupations depend upon the confidence of the public, and this is
egg
47
No. 198.] 355
bestowed upon individuals whose former crimes (forgery) were a8
generally known as their business tact.
Those discharged conviets not placed under supervision, and. who
find employment elsewhere, are at liberty to pursue their own choice.
Bot if, after cate has been taken for the improvement of the dise
charged convicts in the manner indicated, one should now and then
bbe unwilling to engage in honest labor, and prefer to pursue his old
practices instead, subjecting himself repeatedly to imprisonment, he
proves himself to be incorrigible and the question arises, what shall
be done with such? This inquiry especially concerns the great num=
ber of depraved criminals in the United States ‘and Europe, who live
ty crime; as for example, pick-pocksts, burglars, swindlers, forgers,
Ke. People of this soit are, for the most part, of idle habite, and
use every means, therefore, to live without work, and are in fact in=
For repeated criines of this nature, it seems proper that
the law should decree, that the second or third offence should be pun-
inked, as in England, with transportation or imprisonment; in both
cases for life,
Il is the duty of the government to provide for the safety of person
and property, and so protect the peaceable citizen from the attacks
and injuries of incorrigible criminals. Eithersociety or the eriminal
must suffer, and justice demands that the guilty should suffer. The
incorrigible criminal is unfit for civilized society, and should be exe
dluded from it. The prisons intended for these might be similar to
those which serve for the second or associated period of imprisonment,
having separate cells to be used at night, and provided with work.
shops and gardens for associnted employment by day. Silence need
‘be maintained, however, only during the hours of labor; in the peri=
ls of leisure, the prisoner might converse in the presence of an in
Structor, or the superintendent; but conversation of an immoral or
‘depraved character should not be allowed. In this manner all unne-
‘essary severity might be avoided, and society secured from incor
sible criminals,
Juvenile offenders under 16 years of age should be sent to prisons
pecially provided for them, It need hardly be mentioned that the
beps nd girls should be kept in separate institutions. ‘The manages
‘rent of these should be like that of the boys' prison at Parkburst,
the institution at Metray. Tn the first case the children should
4 detained only the first month in separate confinement, and in asso
356 [Assan
Snccess will depend chiefly upon the
careful selection of officers, instructors and chaplains. The perma-
nent separation of the children, as at La Roquette, is not to be ree-
ommended, Even in Pennsylvania, where separate confinement for
adult criminals prevails, the children in the House of Detention st
Philadelphia, are kept in associated custody by day, and are_separs-
ted by night only; and the same regulation prevails in all the other
prisons for youth in the United States, as at New-York, Boston, &.
‘The prison La Roguette stands alone, and it is especially noteworthy
that even in France, Mettray is adopted as a model instead of it.
Persons who have committed crime while insane, must be sent to
tmad-houses; the time spent there, however, should be reckoned in
the period of punishment. Should this role be adopted, instances of
feigned insanity would not often occur.
The principle by which T have been guided in the preceding prop
sitions has been to investigate carefully what experience has hith-
certo demonstrated to be expedient, in order to ascertain by its light
the improvements adapted to our own country.
ciated confinement afterw
By order of the Executive Committee.
JOHN D, RUSS, M. D.
Pris, Ass'n.
‘The Prison Association of New-York in account with Wm. Chauncey,
Treasurer.
1849. Da.
Dec. 24. To cash paid appropriations to discharged convict com
mittee :
‘To J.T. Hopper’s salary in part,
Five qrs. rent of office,
Disbursements at the office,
Paid on acct. paper and printing report,.-
T. T. Bennett, clerk, wages)...
$274 00
234 5
383 47
300 00
——— 1,980 22
‘To Cash paid appropriation to Female’s Home for 3 ars.
ent of Home, ses cscs : 397 50
Cash paid Charles Parker on account, commiss
collecting and travelling expenses, $9.44,
Balance due the Association brought to new a
36) 00
313 46
$2,002 18
ey i
No. 198.) 357
1849. Bs
Jan 1. By balance due Association from old acet, os
Dec 24. By subscriptions and collections of Charles Par.
kerand others, during the year,
$170 14
Dec. 24. By balance due Association this day bro't down, “BLT GS
New-Youk, Dec. 24, 1849,
The above account of the treasurer has been exami
with the vouchers, and found cosrect, ae
CYRUS CURTISS,
ISRAEL RUSSELL,
Auditing Committee,
Honorary Life Members of the Executive Commit
100 or upicarde, ne #4 Boyment of
City New-York.
Minturn Robert B.,
Parker, Charles,
Walker, Joseph,
Wood, William,
Boorman, James,
Browa, James,
Crosby, Win. B.,
Delano, Jas, Warren,
Troy, W. ¥.
Rey. Wim. Andrews, Rey. Dr. Beeman,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Rey. H. G. Ludlow.
Hudson, N.Y.
Rey, Mr. Darling.
Meriden, Conn.
Rey. G, W. Perkins.
368 [Assent
Members of the Assocation, by payment of twenty five dolters
cand up’
Alsop, J. W.
‘Aspinwall, W. Hy
Astor, W. Hy
Barclay, Anthony,
Barron, Thomas,
Bartlett, Edwin,
Belmont, August,
‘Benzon, B. L.,
Blanco, B.y
Brevoort, H.,
Brevoort, J. Carson,
‘Bridge, L.K.,
Bridge, John,
Bronson, Mrs. Arthur,
Brooks, Sidney,
Broom, 8.
Brown, Stewart,
Brace, George,
Butler, B. Fy
Bliss, Ira,
Chauncy, Henry;
Collins, E. K.,
Curtiss, Cyrus,
Daly, Charles P.,
DeRham, H.C.
Douglass, Win.
Duer, Johny
Edmonds, John W.,
Engs, P. W.,
eld, R. HL,
Field, H. W.,
Fish, Hamilton,
Foster, Jr. James,
Jones, James Joy
Jones, Walter R.y
Langdon, Mrs.
Leeds, Samuel,
LeRoy, Jacob,
LeRoy, Jacob R.y
Leupp, C. My
Lord, Rufus Le,
Lorrilard, Jr. Peter,
Low, Comelius,
McBride, James,
McCoun, Win. T.
Morgan, E. D.,
“Murray, Lindley,
Morgan, M.,
Nevins, R. Hey
Newell, William,
Norrie, A.,
O'Connor, Cy
Olyphant, D. W.C.,
Outhout, Win,
Parmaly, E.,
Pell, F.,
Phalon, J,
Ray, Robert,
Rhinelander, Wm. C.,
Robert, ©. Ry
Roosevelt, ©. V. 8.5
Ruggles, 8. B.,
Russell, Israel,
Sampson, Joseph,
Sands, Davi
Schermerhorn, Peter,
Selden, Dudley,
1049
No, 198.]
Fumiss, W. P.,
Gamer, F.,
Graham, J. B.,
Gregory, D. S.,
Green, J.C.,
Grinnell, Henry,
Grosvenor, Jasper,
Halsted, Wm. M.,
Hedges, Timothy,
Herrick, J. E.,
Herring, 8. C.,
Howland, G. G.,
Howland, 8. S.,
Howland, Edgar W.,
Hunt, ‘Thomas,
Irvin, Richard,
Johnston, John,
Sherman, Austin,
Spencer, Wm. A,
Spencer, Mrs, Win. A.,
Sturges, Jonathan,
‘Talbot, Charles N.,
Titus, James H.,
Vannest, Abraham,
Vannostrand, James,
Vanrensselaer, P. S.,
Wetwore, P. M.,
White, EK,
Whiting, James R.,
Whitney, Stephen,
Wilmerding, Wm. E.,
Winthrop, B. R.,
Wolfe, Jno. D.,
Woolsey, E. J.
Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N.Y.
Burrell, H.
Brooklyn, L. I
Packer, Wm. S.
Poughkeepsie, NW. ¥.
Vassar, M.
Waterbury, Conn.
Rev, J. 8, Clark, Rev, Mr, Elliott,
Meriden, Conn.
Rey. Mr. Searles.
360 [Assramuy
is of Subscriptions and Donations, From 1st January, 1849 f0 4th
00
Abeel, J.T, - ceueweaes
00
Allen Jaye
‘Alsop J. W., -
Barclay A.y «+
Barron Ty. eeeeeee
Bartlett Edwin, ..
00
5 00
00
eessssesess
B.& Chun, ..
Bridge Jno.,
Bronson Maria,..«
Brown James; «+++
Brown G. Ways
Brown Stewart,.....
Bruce George,.++++
Buck W.J, & J. Blunt,
Botler B. Payee
Caldwell E.,
GOONER y.
Caswell J., «
Chauncey H.,
Churchill Wetmore,...
Clark Wilson, ..
Goit H. HL,
Colles J.
Cowen J.,
Davis Wm. A., .
Dawson B. Fy...
Deitz, Bros. & Co.s.«
Denny T.yssessee
Delano FLA. s+.
see
Doubleday W. E.,
EPS.
Earle Porter,
Eddie J.,
BY Cy eseeee
Foster, James Jey
esssese
eu
No. 198.]
. Lewis 8. W., s+.
Gebhard H., Leggett F. HL,
Gihon Jobn, . é Livingston M. W.,
Gordon & Talbot, Long & Davenport,
Lord Rufus L.,
Low Comelius,
Greely Horace,. Low A. & A.,
Greenway & Co., McCardy A. S.,
Manning R. H.,
Mandeville Win,
Montgomery J. Jas. .
Morgan ML, .
Miller P. D., .
Halleck G., Nak Bae .
Harrison M., Oelrich & Kruker, . .
Harnden & Co., Olcott & M. Kesson,
Palmer Jno. J.,
Parmly, J.
Pell A, «
Hendricks & Bros. Perkins Diy vesees
Herring S. C., . . Phelps Dodge & Co,,
Phelps Jno. J.) ....5
Powell M. M., .
Hitchcock C.,.. Ray Robert,....
Hubbard A.. Rich, Jay veeveee
Honter J., +... Rodgers C. H., .
Hunt Wm. G.,. pete s
ey OF. russell C. H.,
pees : a
we ford Coy. eeee
Johnson B., . on ane
James Walter R., Pa aes
eae anderson E. Py.
eam Wiens : Sctielin A. B. 8.
; ieffelin Co.,
Koop Fischer, & Co., Schieffelin U. M., «
and MAR Schlessinger P.,...
pF. J.D. Schuchartt F.y ..
‘Leupp C. M., Sedgwick Th., ....
88388s3s8
BSovwasdatBaasa
aBaaa
5
5
5
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
0
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
co
00
00
00
x
aoanansakasSSaaaakaa
PAGINATION |
INCORRECT
[Assexmur
Sheldon Henry, .. : 00
Sherman Collins, ...++
Smith Wm,
Spencer G.G.,.
Studin B., .
Sturges E.y
Sturges Jona., .
Suarez 1. J
‘Tracy Irvin & Co.,
TrenorJ.,
Tweedy E,, .
Tweedy 0. Byseeeeseeeersaceneee
‘Von Rensselaer P. S.y.. +++
Walker Joseph. «
Walsh Mallory, & Co.,...
Ward A. HL,
Warren Juyeeseeesees
Wetmore 0. & A., «
W.C.N.,.
Whiting Ay ..seesseee
‘Wright, Sturgis & Shaw,
Wilbur & Seott,..
Willetts 8.0.00.
Wilson D. M. & Co... e+
Winslow R. H.,
Wood Win, .sseeee
Woolf & Gillespie, «+++ ++
Woolsey EJ.
Zimmerman Z.y. ..0+e0
Coltections in Troy, New York.
Bills A.,
Cash,
Hart Philip, -
McCoun Mrs.
reg
No. 198.]
Brought forward,
Marshall B.,
Sage Wan. Fo,
Slocum 1."
Vail Mr, .
Willard, «4
Wiswall B.,..
Bartlett & Co., .
Cash.
Ditto veseeeere
Crosby Mr.
Emmot Jas.ye+ ++
Morse 8. F. B.,.
Sterling Wm. C.,.
Ditto in Albany.
Prentiss J. H.;.
Ditto in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Benedict Aaron,
Hotchkiss J.,
CurtissH.,
Porker Charles, . .
Webb Walters...0.
Yole John,...44 s+
[Aseeumy
‘The Yearly Report of the Female Department of the Prison Assocta-
tion, from Jan. 1, 1849, to Jan. 1, 1850.
Expenditures, 1849.
Provisions and fuel,
‘Working materials, ..
Dry goods, ..«
‘Travelling expenses,
Household articles,..
Stationery, &e.y..
Sewing,
Commissions for collecting,
Wages, ..e0eee
Salaries, ,
Mr. Bennett, for services,
Printing, ..-
Teeaurer,«
Steambost, Capt. Saith, -
Advertising,
Rent,
Moving goods,
First entertainment at the Tabernacle, -
Second do
Water tax,
Steamboat, «
Lodging;
Appropriation towards the erection of a house, .
‘To balance to new account,
1649
No. 198,] 367
Receipts, 1849.
Subscriptions, .. seeeeee
Donations, ...+
Works. ++ee
Tickets for concert,
Money returned by inmates,...
Board, ....+5
First entertainment at the Tebernacley.
Second do ECtPEST Es
Sale of articles, steamboat fare, &e., .
Money loaned by Mr. Beatty,.
Cotton bags and paper,...
Money returned by J. 'T. Hopper. «
Mr. Win, Bennett, travelling expenses for an inmate,....
Balance from last year,
Donations in Cash.
Corporation of the city of New-York,..
Mrs. Frances Ann Kemble,.
‘The Female Association, ...
as, G. King & Sons, .
Mr. Jas, Walker, ....»
Mr. C. Comeron, .
Hopkins & Western, .
Cash,
Mrs. Jas. Browny.....+
Mr. Robert Ray,
Mr. B. Blanco,.
M. Bard & Son,..
Miss Jay, ose cece
Mrs Mary Broncon, «+++
Mr. P. Cooper,.
Cameron & Brand, .
Mr. Wim, Watt, «
$106 00
2566 87
483 86
28 00
16 58
10 00
153 26
192 49
126 06
13.00
00 35
14.18
2.00
400
$3647 64
Mr. J. Gihon,
Mrs. Banyer,
Boiceau & Busch, ....
J.& J. Stewarts vceceee
Mrs. C. E, Colgate,..++.
Mrs. Geo. Colgate, . —
Mr. Elihu Townsend, vs secsscscsessesessee
‘Mr. Gerard Stuyvesant,. —
‘Mr. Benj'n Flanders; ...++«
‘Mr. Silas ©. Herring, ..
M. R. Jefities & Sons,..
Mr. C. H. Shipman,..
‘Mr. Wm. Hoyt;.
AH. B.,.
Tracey & Irwin, .
Mr. Chas. Marshall,
Patton & Stewart, .
Mr. Chas. D. Hazen, .
Mr. S. J. Beebe, ..
Jas, Brower,
JH Leroy,
LW. Alsop, «seeees
A. Barclay, ..
- Wm. Woods, .
. H.W. Johnston,
GB. Lamar, «
Cammon & Whitehouse,
Oli resicssexenaaase
Cash,.
R, M. Blackwell & Co., .
Gea: corse
Mr. Wm. Halsey, .
Mr. John Halsey,.....+
Beals, Busch & Co.,
Mr. Wm. Outhout, «+4
Cash, eee.
Mr. J. Hyeth,
eseaees
Mr, J. L. Sheiffltin,.
Mr. Fred. A. Delano,,
EBs rene
Mrs. Guston, ...
Mr. Francis Gri
Mis. Eliza Morgan,
Mr, A. T. Hicks,
HG. Cys
Mr. Win. Burger; -seeeseeesere evens
Mr. Augustus Belknap,
Mr. G. Henry Fox;...+.-
Stamford Manufacturing Co.
Mrs. Belly... .seeeees
Mrs. Chas. E, Quincy;
Lord, Warren & Salter,
Mr. E. Tweedy, .
Mr F.H. Stevens, ..seceee es
Mr. H, Johnson, . on
Mr. Alex. Megary,
Mr. Win, R. Janeway,
‘Taylor & Merrill,
Mr. U. A.Levy,
Mr. Bartholomew,
Mr. Josiah Richy. eee sseeee
John M. Bruce & Sons,
Mr. W. G. Hunt,...
Biba
Mr. A. Journey, Jr
Groydon, Swanwick & Co.,
Mr D. Trimble, ee seeeeee
[Assembly, No. 198.)
aagGaanaaaaaudaaaaoabon
ooo
essessess
sssssessssssse
T. Patnam & Co...
Spier Christ & Co., .
Mr. Andrew Muir,.
Mr. D. Lane, «ese
Mr. Rich’d Bigelow;
Catlijrcscesesnersseee
Mr. F.C. Tucker,. ec
Mr. Shepherd Knapp, ...+2+0+
Mr. August Belmont. .
Mr. N. G. Rutgers...
Cash, «+
Cash, —o
ashy eee secereeeceys
Mr. J. Van Buren,. 2200000
‘Mr. Aziah Wright,
Mr. F. Rawdon,
Mr. J. F. Butterworth, .
Mr. F. Griffin, ..
Mr. H. Morgan,
Mr. W. Bloodgood... ++
Mr. Aden Smithy...
Me 0. Fearngy:
Cash,
Terese
Mr. W. D, Cogswell
Mr. Thos. R. Foster, .
Cash, ceneene
Cash, casensasie
Mr. Casey, .
Mr. EF. W. Stoughton,.
‘Mr. Chas. G. Moore,
Mr. Ezra White,
Cash, «.
TA Bere,
J. A. Schaffelin, 2...
Mr. Theodore Sedgwick, ...
Tibets & Nots,..
&E. Decoppit, .
a ae
ooananeae
sessesssses
MH
No. 198.
Mr. NL. Ritch, .
Mr. J. B. Graham,
oir. W. W. "Toy
Gross & March...
Varper & Co...
Mr. 8. Burkhalter,
Miss Colegate,.
Cosh,
Cash, 2
Mis. George Folsom, ..
MiP. V. W. Martin,.
Me.0.0. Hay, 0...)
Me. Win, Hooker...
Me Chas, Burkhalter, ..
MR, Burkhalter,
Cadhpesieereavcnece
Mr. Wm. A. Beecher, «
Cash, ‘
Mr. F. Milleroux,
Cash, 6.
W.M.P.,...-
Mr. C. McGuire, «
Mr. D. W. Mauen,
F.W.P.,
Cash, .
Cash, .
Cash, .
Cash, .
Cash, .
Cash;
Cash, «
Cash, «
Cash, .
Cash; «
1649
No, 198.]
By Mrs. Jas, Bearry.
birs. James Boorman,
Mis. A. Nortice, .. ..
Saman & Muir,
Mi. Elsworth, «
L. Apgar, «
Wan. R. Paynter,
E, Beadelstone, .
Apgar,
Master Mithau,
Dr. Brandrethy. +
Mr.C. Gilbert...
Tompkins, Ball & Black, .
Mr. John Halsey,....++ 05
Mr, Wim, Halsey, . .+
W,C, James & Co.,
Wim, C. Bryant & Co.,
MrsJames McCullough, ..
Mr... Constant,...+
Mr.J. T. Stratton, «
3H. Morgan, «++»
Mr, Ralph Hunt, sss. eseeeeee see
Mr. Fraetus, .
Mr. J. A Whitney, «..
Me. Wm. J. Woodward)...
Hunter, ..
Mr. Henry E. Cudlip, .
Mr. E, Wygant, ...
ALN. Brown, «+4
R. McCluskey,.
‘Taylor & Son, «+46
Mr. Geo Elder, .
Mr. V. LeCompt, «
Mr. Agate, ...
Mr. Wun. H, Babbett,..
A Lady, ..eeceeee
Mr. Jas. Tanain,
RLS. & A. Stewart.
Mr. Marcus Spring,.
Mr. A. G. Phelps, .
Dr. A. Sherman, .
‘Various persons,
Mr. Piercy, «.
By M
Mr. Win. J. Haskell, «
‘Mr. Richard J. Smith, ....+.
Mr. Jas. H. Titus...
A Friend, a
Br Mns. Granoxs.
A Friend, .-.seeeees
Mr. Seth Thomas, of Plymouth Hollow, Conn.y
A Gentleman,..
Mrs. Poultney;
Mr. Simeon Draper,.
Mr. Jas. H. Titus,
Mrs. Prime,.
‘Mr. Pinckney,...+.
Mrs. Sackett,....+.
‘An unknown friend, ...
‘By Mans. Kiaxzanp:
Mr. Geo. Ireland, Jr.,
‘Mr. Nath. Currier,.
Mr. Moses H. Grinnel,.
Miss Hinckley, .
Cash, . eee. ie
AFriend, by Mrs. Russell,
An unknown friend, .
Mr. Sturgessy.cces eee cee
By Miss Cunris:
Mr. P. Coopery. veeeeee
By Mas. Evcan Hicks
A Friend,
‘Two Friends,.
Mr. Cornel,.
‘Miss M. §. Usnenmin:
Mr. Daniel Trimble, .
Miss Mary Hill, 0.
Mrs. Hall,
Mrs. Ropes,...+.«
Mrs. E. 8, Gould, .
Several friends, .
Miss Vanhorn,
By Mus. F. Hoxr
Donations in Goods.
By Mas, Jas. Bearry:
Mr. H. H. Day, 25 pairs of India rubber shoes ; Mr. Jas. Wiggins,
20 pairs shoes; Dr. Comstock, $3 worth of medicine ; Suydam,
Sage & Co., 1 BbI. of flour ; Nelson, Webb & Co., 2 bbls. of fish 5
W. & G. Oakley, 1 bag of meal ; Mr. Titus, bbl. crackers; Mr.
Mabbett, 1 piece calico; Harris & Ockerhausen, 120 weight sugar.
By Mns. Kinxuawp:
‘Twenty-five dollars worth of clothing, from a Friend.
By M. S, Uspeam:
Mary Hill, 20 boxes hooks and eyes, 1 gross pearl buttons, 1 box
needles, 5 combs, 10 pieces of tape, 65 skeins sewing silk, and sun-
ry small articles.
316 [Assesmmy
By Susan B. Dar.
—,1doz. hair brushes and half doz. combs ; — groceries
stationery from S, W. & W. Wood.
By Mas. B, Hicks.
Mr. Benjn. T. Seaver, one piece calico, 543 yards.
By Mns. Eteny:
Mr. Augustus Grabam, ten dollars’ worth dry goods ; stationery,
by Mr. Hugh Dunn 5 12 iron bedsteads, worth $100, from Augustus
Grabam.
By Mas. Jas. Gronows:
D, Blatchford, a little boy 9 years of age, a paper of candy ; Mr.
Jas, Thompson, basket of cake; Mrs, Hall, 1 cheese and box of
‘candy ; Mr. Ephraim Treadwell, 1 box crackers; Mr. Dunlap,
splendid bouquets; Mr. Edgar Hicks, baskets of magnificent flowers;
the Misses Salters, flowers and candy ; Mr. Dennis Harris, 1 bbl.
sugar; Mr. Treadwell, 1 box crackers; Mr. Heustace, 1 box
crackers.
‘A mangle, from Dr. Russ ; half a firkin cooking butter, from Mrs.
Trimble; household furniture and crockery, from Mary Day;
bundle of clothing, from an unknown friend ; stationery, from J. M.
& W. Wood ; fancy articles, through Mrs. Russell.
Subscribers.
‘Mrs. Jas. Beatty,..++
‘Mrs. A. Gibbons,
Mrs. Dill,
‘Mrs. Knight, «
Mrs. Cornell,
Mrs. Smith, . :
Mrs. Geo. W. Halsted,.....
Miss E. A. Maver,
‘Miss C. M. Sedgwick,
Miss M. 8. Underhill,
Mrs. Manning...
Mrs. C. P. Clinch, ...
Mrs. Abbot Low, ssseeesseeeeer cose eners
‘Miss Foster, (matron at the Tombs,) sve sseeee
No. 198.|
Mrs. Da
Miss Suson Day, oes.
Miss Hannah Uunderkill,
Mrs, Wood, .
Miss Hinckl
Mrs. Wn. Sturges, .
Miss Jane Sedgwick, . .
Mrs. Alfred Hall,
Mrs. John. Thomas)...
Miss ‘Thomas,.....
Mrs, Ogden Haggerty,
Mrs, Marburg, «++
Mrs. Fiteh,. :
Mrs. J.B. Graham,.
Mr. H. H. Carey,
Ms, Talmadge,
Miss Blant, .....
Miss Hinckley, «s+ eeeee
Mrs. H.W, Haydock, «44.
Mrs. F. Hunt,
Mr F, Fiunt, s+
Mrs. Margaret Corlies, «
APPENDIX.
To mae Comsrrse on Prison Discirtins, New You Prison
Association.
Gentlemen:—The experiments which the two prominent systems
of Prison Discipline bave been undergoing for the last twenty years,
have not as yet resulted in any definite and very devided conclusions
in favor of either. Recently, by its adoption in France, England,
and some other European countries, the Separate System seemed to
have obtained a decided preference, and to have become the cher-
hed system of those countries; but scarcely is it introduced before
wwe find some of its warmest friends and admirers, those who were
largely influential in its introduction, proposing to limit its duration
to short periods of confinement, so that all sentences over eighteen
months must be worked ont in a congregate prison or in transporta-
tion. This is the position England now occupies, and her prisoners
sentenced to transportation are first subjected to a year or eighteen
months imprison:aent in a Separate prison, and from thence trans-
ferred to an Associate prison, to labor on the public works for a pe-
riod proportioned to their sentence, ranging from two to ten and a
half years, and thence sent with a ticket of leave to one of Her |
Majesty's penal colonies. While, however, the Separatists are still
undecided as to the enforcement of isolation for protracted periods,
we find one of the warmest advocates of the Congregate or Aubura
system, Prof. Telkampf, in his recent report to the King of Prussia,
advocating the introduction of Separation for limited periods—thus
We find the advocates of the opposing systems approximating in their
Views, This movement on either side we believe is confined to but
few individuals, and the confidence of either party in the superiority
of their system, seems not on the whole to be a whit abated. There
are undoubtedly defects in both which need to be corrected—defects
not only in the systems themselves but in the manner of their admi-
|
£
Sthene ty
380
[Assenauy
istration, The Separate system has been perhaps justly charged as
from Congregateprcons generally are
a aaersee Acrciotion isin the Babi of secing aml ass
“Tit we select the Congregate pi
hey cannot have
nity and an increased mortality
ison is by no means confined to
most of our Congregate pri-
and if the conviets discharged
in no better condition than
nuch superiority to boast of in point of he:
ies dda the statistics of our prisons justify a more favorable opinio
pare it with the Separate of 1
Congregate promises the longest
swith the Eastern Penitentiary for @
~|Howing results: The deaths in Sing Sin
|
sh
uy
|
)
Jsoners during @ term of thirty years,
ison of the highest health and com
fhe lowest, we may indeed find that the
Tife—but if we compare Sing Sing
series of years, we have the fol-
1 to the whole number of pri-
has been as 1 in 8.09; the
rrr athe Basten. Penitentiary during»
se nae Lin 1040; aud esti shoul be org that the
Jifference is fully accounted for by the
the one prison than in the other, it
Sing 1 in 4.34 were partonel, and
greater number of pardons in
should be stated that in Sing
the Eastern Penitentiary 1 in
7.2}, during the same periois. Lnstituting similar comparisons be-
‘tween the New Jersey and Mary
Jaud or the Western and Virginia
Penitentiaries, we shall find them equally favorable to the Separate
systen. Results like these seem sa
the Separate system is not of that deci
Jactorily to demonstrate that
ating character which it
: ss, the advocates of the system ac-
hhas been represented—nevertheless, th jem se
Knowledge that it yet Ins defects, which are to be remedied, and
Know from absolute exarnination
with the A burn system.
‘and enquiry that this is the case
i cone dependant
‘Two prominent defects are apparent in this system, one dependa
fon architectural construction, and the
discipline. The architectural defects
other on the manngement and
are most apparent in the size
eating, and ¥en
\and construction of the cells and in the manner of heating
aitkine thems these are so obnoxious to the rules of bygiene that
it is even unaccountable that they should have been suffered to exist
for so many years in their present state,
jout having more pat-
Hiealorly claimed the attention of the legislator or philanthropist:
The fact presented by Dr. Dimond, physician to the Aubura prisons
jn 1843, that for the last twenty-six years the extraordinary propor
tion of one balf of the prisoners in
‘that prison had died from dis-
i "
ces of the lungs, and the disproportionate mortality whieh almost
everywhere exists between prisoners
‘and persons of similar ages at
(E49
No, 198.] al
liberty, leave no doubt in regard to the deleterious physical influences .
which this system exerts 5 nor ean we read Dr. Dimond?’s account of
the prison as it actually exists, without a Shudder at the thought of
the amount of disease and death which it must engender. The fact,
says Dr. D., that there is more phthisis among those confined on the
44th and 5th galleri the lower ones seems conclusive on this. |
point, i. ¢., that it is occasioned by defective ventilation. The air |
on the 5th gallery during Sundays and in the morning of the short
days of the year, becomes very offensive notwithstanding the use of
all safe means of ventilation,” and this prison is a type of that en-
tire class, and its defects are more or less common to them all, Ine
timately connected with, and perhaps in some degree consequent up-
on the defects of architecture, are the defects of prison government and
discipline, The great cathoticon that has ever been Inoked to for
the cure of the evils of congregate imprisonment, is classification ;
but we believe there is not a prison constructed with a view to such
an end, and in all of them the attempt even would prove unsatisfac~
tory, if it should not impracticable; nevertheless to doubt its impor-|
tance would be to question the deliberate opinion of the most distin-|
guished among the advocates of the congregate system, and to deny |.
its 1eformatory power, would be Jike knocking the last prop from al «|
system which has now been sustained in this state for ove
nor are we disposed to question its propriety or deny
considerately and di
affirm that little good can be expected even from this great panacea
‘while our prisons are constructed asat present. The separate system
has also defects both administrative and architectural, defects ac=
Inowleiged by the friends of the system. So imperfectly do either
of these systems at present answer the great ends of mind preserving,|
health saving, reformatory institutions, that a person, not wedded to\ 4]
any particular theory may justly doubt the great superiority or per) |
fection of either.
In fact, the contest which has been so long waged between these
opposing systems, seers to draw no neater a conclusion than it did >
some years since. There seems, indeed, to be a fundamental diffi-
culty in the way, which can only be satisfactorily removed by com-'~
bining the two under one administration. Such a measure would
afford us an opportunity of testing the comparative merits of each
system under the same latitude, aud as nearly as possible under similar,
circumstances. No comparison between them in this respect can be
perfectly satisfactory unless made in the same location. The effects
even of a change of but a few rods may, under certain circumstances,
382 [Asem
give an entirely different character to the health of an Institution 5
but when this change is measured by degrees, and all the surround-
ing influences are altered, it is next to impossible to form even a
plausible opinion in regard to the health-saving influences of ‘the
two systems thus compared. Nor is the health of the prison alone
dependant on location; it is also greatly, if not equally, affected by
| administration—thus the Charlestown prison, under the management
| of Mr. Robinson, has changed from one of ordinary to, one of an
» | extraordinary character in this respect, and the Eastern Penitentiary
| has improved astonishingly under the medical care of Dr. Givins. An-
other matter influencing the health of a prison, and depending on lo-
cality, is the character of its population, in regard to not only color,
but sex and moral condition. It seems necessary, therefore, to bring
Jall these different influences to bear in the same manner in the same
\degree on the two systems, before we can ative at any definite results
[in Tegard to their operation. To do this they must be operating in
the same locality under the same supervision, This can only be ac-
. {complished by a union of the two systems in the same prison, But
| we have already shown, that that the present structure of our prisons
\, is exceedingly imperfect, and that they are but miserably qualified to
\ carry out the systems for which they were designed, To afford, then,
| an opportunity to test the advantages of the two systems in juxtapo-
sition, we must have, in the first place, new laws, and in the second,
new buildings—buildings specially designed and adapted to the dou-
ble purpose. First, then, our laws should be so modified as to en
ble us to inflict Separate punishment for longer or shorter periods,
according to the circumstances of each case. In an improved pri
son, where classification is attempted, and where there are facilities
for carrying it out to a minute degree, Separate imprisonment for
period immediately after reception, long enough to enable the keeper
to acquire a knowledge of the character and degree of guilt and
moral debasement of the individual, seems to be a sine qua non-
whether Separate confinement should even be extended beyond t
period, which will probably vary from three to six months, is a mat-
ter about which there may be a greater diversity of opinion. As an
individual, however, I have no hesitation in stating it as my opinion,
formed after deliberate investigation and examination, that Seperate
confinement should be introduced and rigidly enforced in all our
houses of detention, and that in our State Penite it should be
applied to all first sentences of moderate duration.
In our own State, however, the sbortest sentences to the State pe-
nitentiary are at present too long for the operation of such a rule,
1544
No. 198.] 383
and certainly longer than in a majority of first convictions seems ne~
cessary or even expedient, for procuring the most salutary resa
Pusishment. Moral guilt hes 50 litle to do. with erimival ase |
tious, that we find scattered over the community many persons wear-
ing the garb and bearing the aspect of gentlemen, with hearts of |
felons; while in our prisons we often find ten with the brand of fe- (4
Jony stamped upon their foreheads, with moral perceptions far less |
obiuse and rauch more worthy of our esteem and! consideration. The t
example of the one has perhaps caused the delinquency of the other, |
and discovered in their frst transgression, they have been hurried to |
1 prison, and in due process of law, convicted. The hope of such,
in the majority of instances, is in separation from the abandoned in-
mates of our prisons. Place them for a short time alone, where they
can reflect, be advised, form habits of industry, make firm resolves,
se the futility as well as the enormity of crime, and be unob-
served, and consequently unknown to their fellows, and the chance is
ten fold for their reformation. Throw them, on the other hand, in
congregated masses, into our county jails and State penitentiaries,
where the eye of the community is upon them ; where every inmate
marks them as a prison acquaintances where they are surrounded and
beset by bold faced villany; where God is unknown or disregarded,
and religion is a jest; where the air resounds with blasphemy, and
the mouth is filled with obscenity; where the deepest laid and most
successful scheme of villany is esteemed the highest morality, and
where claims to respect are measured by the accomplishments of a
Sheppard or a Turpin, and it will be but a few days, at most weeks,
Iefore the first misgivings for crime are drowned in the sewer of
comption into which they are thrust. At frst they are disgusted,
torror stricken, perhaps, with the depravity by which they are sur-
founded ; but familiarity with crime, makes one accustomed to its
lineaments; every day sweeps some disgusting line away, until its
lormty is no longer observed. This fected, the ennui of prison
ie solicits acquaintance; the frst advances are timidly accepted;
lay after day strengthens the alliance, until what was commenced as
Pastime is continued for pleasure, and thus deserted by the good,
‘ith infamy on his brow, the convict yields himself up a voluntary
‘scrifice to the influences which surround him. Under such circum-
stances are we fulfilling our duty 0 the convict, to society, or our-
ses, {o condemn bit fora fist olfence to an association where
is almost certain that he will be corrupted. Nothing, surcl
bet an inevitable and greatly increased tendeney to produce insanity,
dissase and death, will justify such a measure, For short periods of
inement, under favorable circumstances, this does, not from the
384 [Assemmy
post authentic records of such cases, appear to be the fact with the
separate system.
For these and similar reasons, {am decidedly in favor of ‘engrat-
em separate confinement for all. first sen-
red T think our law ia. respect £0 first seme
ed. as to shorten the terms rather more
eens eechalf, say 2+ and to condemn to separate confinement for
Frat sentences whenever the term so shortened does not exceed cigh:
"The introduction of the separate system thas modified
tee) mollifed, we think is urgently demanded for the reformation of
and Maninal and the protection of society. Its continvance for the
period indicted, under favorable circumstances will have no inj
pemaffect upon the tind or the health, and the great objects of
oes <Tcipline be more certainly attained. More protracted periods
St eepararion wight, and perhaps do affect botb, or f not we befieve
Ghat we have retained the most essential feature in the system of se-
uration, and shall be enabled to engraft upon it many of the At
Prntages of the congregate without doing violence to the sysiea
Tare Te is a well established fact, and one that should never be
Toot sight of, that congregate prisens are more productive then se
ing upon our prison sy
tences of short duration,
tences should be so_modif
‘teen months.
parate, and’ we therefore propose that all those sentenced for life,
\Paittose on second and third sentences, of for protracted terms of
| aoedncment, should be subjected to separate confinement for a period
vn three to six months, and then placed in such class in congregele
confinement as they may appeat fitted to occupy.
‘To enable us to carry out the improvements in both systems whick
experience suggests as necessary, a8 well as to compare with grey
caiiny the, practical results of their workings, we propose that
hereafter prisons should be so constructed as to enable the two 8
tems to be carried into operation side by side under the same 8°"
Cinment and medical supervision, surrounded by the same influence
cere and temperature, sun and shade, warming and ventilating &»
fee. For this. purpose we propose tbat our prisons should in fatt®
EY constructed on the radiating plan so that each wing shall diverge
Bom and open into a common centre which, if kept in view io
golating the internal construction of the building, becomes © poist
Baas eam, commanding a view of the whole, snd from wbid
Se oestn all directions is afforded. The wings may vary in numb
secs in alg sine five perhaps would be a better limit, and may b*
Nonstructed from two to four stories high, never exceeding four
gad
No. 198.] 385
falling below two, except in cases when two stori i
sos wot Haely © bp tenled anny ce eee OS ee
‘These wings shall in part be adapted to. separ i
to eongregre:goretoment,exerping lx owes" dhoton whee
ce separation isin our opinion sone aie The entivebuilde
ing besides serving s a pint of ues an observatory shuld pr
vile aecommodstonsunieoeath fora kitchen, and overbead for a
lopital, The ground undereath the ete building shoul be
Aes erste ol nh ent ul ad a ere
ie a ea Tighe tothe beebnens The acmigemesis fo te tase.
Nine ot he pitch bhsald be aioh Wild Glove tanh rosea alae.
fo, oreo, Se, at wal aa mo ae tecommodations
fr coking and the easiest method of istibuting the fod tthe
int potions of the prison in which it stems The eiehen
tould be immediately connected with the store-rooms, bathing and
eens ool ee ie oe a coal
baling apparatus, &c. &c., 80 as to economize the
2 general inspection and supervision of the whole buildin fon sas
poi extracting fot oly the calle ut the diniog ball, work shops nnd
ie etal sberatory,tblesand seats ae tobe povided for feeling
i isoners, beyond these ae the cells pening inward towards cn
inal andi the congregate portion ofthe prison beyond the cl
the work shops are placed, The cells are to be made sufficiently
ago to adit of separate confinement tit should be deemed pd
sn Les eo Gl Ye oh toe ere po
sul ya division when it becomes necessary, eed by the means
rugated iron plates, as in Portland prison, Englands or by a
spr can each be divided at trifi ns
it we cal of ample copay for congregate imprisonment. These
reach supplied with water and all necessary appliances, to be
iad intows and heated by warm air thrown in at the top
“te room and drawn of atthe baton. Tks propesed to into
fe the Penile method of woming an iting, nih mh
provements rience has suggested. The part
Sond heels in wbich the won chaps are toe placed, i oe
ng rooms, coal bins,
The works
gE sorkahop may be introduced in fon of the eal butweon the and th
eae nar lan by the ben, wil an some avantage over tt
ia theextreme end. Principal objection the same, nolee, dust We
[Assembly, No. 198.) 25
Greketee hs
386 [Assexoxr
vi a board partition
completely floored over and divided in the centre by
‘ards the wall, leaving between it and the wall sufficient space for
the desk and seat of the Keeper in charges and the whole to be ene
closed from the other parts of the wing by glass doors which can,
opened of closed at pleasuse, thus shutting off the noise but allowing
Central inspection. ‘The windows in the workshops must be large,
entral inspection, iat be ge
dmitting both light and air, but protected by gratings, and in f
aes esos there must be a tackle and fll by shih raw max
terial or manufactured goods can be raised from or lowered to the
in the basement 2s may be require, At the hour
oe are i jal in each work-shop quit
eating, the prisoners at a given signal in ea
duinb waiter on their gallery, where they find a server with ther
plates knives and forks, poons peppery salt vinegar, &., which he?
tarry to their seals, eat what they choose, and after suficent tine
nother signal is given when the prisoners rise and in reverd ous:
Carry their servers containing their plates, &e., and redeposte #
fon the waiter, then wheel and pass along the gallery back again t0
the work-shop.
In this manner no time is lost either in setting or clearing away
the table, and no persons engaged especialy for that buoiness Ie
the vwings which ace devoted to separate confinement, the bell nd
frlleries ron the whole length of the wing, as will be seen in the
Girgrau 5 and the whole of it will be occupied by cell and the
Sonera, inslead of feeding together, will be supplied fem the tuts
waiter wih tei serer by, 8 pon or peony exes, pid
ve the purpose, and they will in a similar manner be supplied with
foe fer their work, &. To the central observatory thee
Trill be an elavated platform of greater or Tes height, according
The height of the wings, in which will be a stand point of obser:
tion at which all the prisoners can be seen by simply torning the
Head, This. may also be used at «position from which the Pir
Meners may be adresse while at their meals. ‘The hospital of Oe
eon ia plaved in an additional story directly over this part ofthe
Building, and is intended to oecupy the entre loor of the upper Fate
TE will bave two entrances from nearly opposite wings, and Wil
Deranged as to have each bed separated by a partition from ee)
ther 0 as to offer 3 distinct room foreach patient looking ite
seutre of the building through a grated door controlled by the
387
the dome, and
each bed-room is to have a small window for ventilation.
‘A. chapel for those in separate confinement may be constructed by
a prolongation of the hospital over one of the wings, and so arranged
as to prevent prisoners even becoming personally known to each other.
This may be done by adopting the plans and precautions used at
Pentonville, England ; and if it is desired to assemble all the popu-
Jation of the prison in the chapel at the same time, it may be done by
providing separate and distinct departments for each class. The
plan which we herewith present, has not been artistically drawn, and
will therefore but imperfectly present our ides.* It can only be con-
sidered as the great outline of a plan which most be filled up hereaf-
ter. The plan thus proposed possesses the advantage, first, of provid
ing a prison equally well calculated for either separate or congregate
imprisoment. It places the two systems in juxtaposition, and ena-
us to form an accurate comparison of their merits. Tt enables
us to adopt or discard either, as the one or the other shall be decided
‘o be superior ; thus holding ourselves in a constant state of progress.
Jn proposing separate confinement for first sentences, it offers the
tmost undoubted advantages of the separate system, while in retaining
congregate imprisonment for a large portion of the inmates, and su-
peredding @ minute and attainable classification it presents the con-
sgregate system in an improved shapes by the means it affords for di
pensing with a crowd of hall-boys and waiters, who are at present
unproductive—for increasing and equalizing the hours of labor during
the whole year ; and for allowing the productive advantages of con-
gregation, it admits of the greatest economy in its management. Tt
enables the prisoners to be constantly engaged, either in work, study,
instruction, sleeping, feeding, or other necessary occupati
Preventing the ennui and the discases created by idleness—in its in-
‘toduction of more order and system—in its facility for supervision—
in opportunities for a complete and constant separation of elassest—
in its preventing the exposure of the prisoners to the changes of the
weather, thereby promoting health—in its increased facilities for car-
vying on the operations of the prisons, &c., &c., it seems to excel
all ether known plans.
This is a brief summary of the advantages we expect to derive
fom prisons fashioned after the manner here sketched. If we have
* Working plans ean be procured by those wis
‘rangement and eoastruction of the b
{ By this plan there wi
of 60, more than 30 lass
ng to build, showing In detail the
ding by addressing the Cor-See. N.Y. P-A-
ye two distinct clastes on each tier, making Ina prison
iS
388 [Assexmuy
succeeded in presenting an intelligible view of our own conception, we
hope to have impressed those who may have examined our plan, with
the idea that itis at least worthy of an experiment, especially as the ex-
periment will cost but litte, and the prison afterwards will be of the
first order, and by a triling expense may be converted either into a Con-
gregate prison of the largest capacity, or into a Separate prison un-
surpassed in its appliances for health and the ordinary operations of
the prison. This advantage alone, we trust will be sufficient to re
commend the general features of our plan to the authérities of those
new States where they are about to construct prisons and introduce
systems of prison government, and to those where prisons are already
established, which may be found insufficient in size or s0 dilapidated by
age as to make a new erection desirable. Prisons erected on this
plan will possess the important advantage of having the convict in
Congregate imprisonment under the constant watch and guardianship
of the keeper—his whole prison life will be so adjusted as to be
buted Letween labor, study, religious instruction, out-
, feeding and sleeping. By the use of the fat and the
ther oleaginous materials which accumulate from the meats used by
2 the prisoners, the prison may be lighted at a trifling expense with
gas; and as the prisoners never need, and indeed are never expected
to go off their galleries, except for yard exercise, they can be ras
‘tered at the same hour during all seasons of the year, and work the
same number of hours; their hours of study, a great desideratui,
impossible to be attained under ordinary systems, can also be equal-
ly well arranged, so that the convicts need not as at, present be Jeft in
the winter season more than half their time unemployed, shut up ing
dark cell, with no one to control them, and nothing to employ thet
‘A very large portion of the hallucination and mental aberration
which exists in prison may be owing to this eause, and the method
to be most successfully adopted for its prevention will be a just di-
Ivision of the time so as to give the requisite hours to sleep, labor,
instruction, &c., and to leave no hours unemployed; thus eight hours
may be devoted to sleep, ten hours daily to labor, one hour to out~
door exercise, one and a half hours at table, half an hour to personal
cleanliness, and three hours to instruction. Under such a system, our
institutions would be disciplinary, and would regard in their man-
agement the good of the convict rather than the convenience of the
Keeper. As at present administered, the convenience of the keepet
toa large extent governs, and he of course is anxious only to make
his post as easy as possible; in this way hours are lost to instruction.
No. 198,] 389
Imprisonment should be so administered, th
ment, except what health and nature de ids, should be disciplin
ea ; lemands should be disciplinary
While the convict should be treated kindly, he should at the ne
Hime be under the strictest discipline; for lack of such discipline it
is that our prisons so often fail to effect the purpos. i
stint the purposes for which they
hat every hour’s confine
Respectfully your ‘obedient serv’t,
JOHN D. RUSS,
AN ACT
To Incorporate the Prison Association of New York.
Passed May 9, 1846, by a two-third vote.
The People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and As-
sembly, do enact as follows
§ 1. AI such persons as now are end hereafter shall become mem-
bers to the said Association pursuant to the constitution thereof, shall
an are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of The
Prison Associntion of New-York, and by that name have the powers
that by the third title of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the
Revised Statues, are declared to belong to every corporation; and shall
be capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying any estate, real or
personal, for the use of said corporation. Provided, that such real es-
tate shall never exceed the yearly value of ten thousand dollars, nor
be applied to any other purpose than those for which this corporation
is formed
§ 2. The estate and concerns of said corporation shall be managed
and conducted by its Executive Committee, in conformity to the con-
stitution of the said corporation ; and the following articles that now
form the constitution of the Association shall continue to be the fun-
damental laws and constitution thereof, subject to alteration in the
ARTICLE 1.
The objects of the Association shall be—
1. The amelioration of the condition of prisoners, whether detained
for tial, or finally convicted, oras witnesses.
2. The improvement of prison discipline, and the government of
prisons, whether for cities, counties, or states.
392 [Assexony
3. The support and encouragement of reformed conviets after their
discharge, by affording them the means of obtaining an honest liveli-
hood, and sustaining them in their efforts at reform.
ARTICLE IL
The officers of the society shall be a president, four vice presi
dents, a recording secretary, and a treasurer, and there shall be the
following committees, viz: a finance committee, a comiuittee on de-
tentions, a committee on discipline, a committee on discharged con-
‘iets, and an executive committee.
ARTICLE IIL.
‘The officers named in the preceding article shall be ex-officio mema-
bers of the Executive Committee, who shall choose one of their num-
ber to be chairman thereof.
ARTICLE IV.
‘The Executive Committee shall meet once in each month, and keep
regular minutes of their proceedings. ‘They shall have a general
superintendence and direction of the affairs of the society, and shall
annually report to the society all their proceedings,and such other mat-
ters as shall be likely to advance the ends of the Association
ARTICLE V.
‘The society shall meet annually in the city of New-York, at such
time and place as the Executive Committee shall appoint, and at such
other times as the President, or, in his absence, one of the Vice-
Presidents, shall designate.
ARTICLE VI.
Any person contributing annually to the funds of the Association,
shall, during such contribution, be a member thereof. A contribution
of five hundred dollars shall constitute a life patron; a contribution
of one bundred dollars an honorary member of Executive Committee
for life; and a contribution of twenty-five dollars shall constitute a *
member of the Association for life. Honorary and corresponding
members may from time to time be appointed by the Executive
Committee.
si
ross6) | ses
ARTICLE Vir.
A Female Department shall be formed,
ssshall be selected by the Bsecutive ¢
charge of the interest and welfare of pi
sch regulations as the Executive Comm!
consisting of such females
Committee, who shall have
risoners of their sex, under
ittee shall adopt.
ARTICLE VII,
Association shall be chosen annually at the
time such persons may be elected honorary
wlered essential serviceto the cause of pets
The officers of the
sonual meeting, at wl
embers as shall have ren
Aisciptine,
ARTICLE 1X,
Any society having the same obj
le this Association. by contributi
vith it,
jects in view may become auxiliary
ing to its funds, and co-operating
‘ ARTICLE X,
‘The Executive Committee shall hi
nding committees such persons as,
"sy vacancy which may occur in a
; intermediate the annual meetings.
ARTICLE XI.
This constitution may be amended by a vote of the majority of
ciety, at any meeting thereof, provided noti
D provided notice of the amend-
ss" bas been given at the next preceding meeting. vere tent
S elected for the current year under the constitution
ue to be the officers thereof until
ae be eof until others shall be duly
394 |Asseazy|
city, as the court of general sessions of the peace, or the court of
special sessions, or the court of oyer and terminer, in said county, or
any police magistrate, or the commissioner of the alms-house may
deem proper objects ; and the said Executive Committee shall have
the same powers to keep, detain, employ and govern the said persons
as are now by law conferred on the keepers of the bridewell or pen-
itentiary in said city.
§ 4. The said Executive Committee may from time to time, make
by-laws, ordinances, and regulations, relative to the management and
disposition of the estate and concerns of said Association, and the
management, government, instruction, discipline and employment of
the persons so as aforesaid committed to the said work-house, not
contrary to law, as they may deem proper; and may sppoint such
officers, agents and servants as they may deem necessary to transact
the business of the said Association, and may designate their duties
And the said Executive Committee shall make an annual report o
the Legislature, and to the corporation of the city of New-York, of
the number of persons received by them into the said work-house, the
disposition which shall be made of them by instructing or emp'oying
them therein, the receipts and expenditures of said Executive Com-
mittee, and generally all such facts and particulars as may exhibit he
operations of the said Association.
§5. The said Executive Committee shall have power, during the
minority of any of the persons so committed to the said work-hous]
to bind out the said persons, so being minors as aforesaid, as appres
tices or servants, with their consent, during their minority, to std
persons, and at such places, to learn such proper trades and employ
ments, as in their judgment will be most conducive to their reformy
tion and amendment, and future benefit and advantage of such pe
sons.
FOLLOWING
PAGE(S)
MUTILATED
Srate or New-York,
In Senate, May 8th, 1846.
This bill having been read the third time, two-thirds of all the
members elected to the Senate voting in favor thereof,
Resolved, That the bill do pass.
By order of the Senate,
A. GARDINER, President.
Srate or New-York,
In Assembly, April 24th, 1846,
This bill having been read the third time, and two-thirds of all the
members elected to the Assembly voting in favor thereof :
Resolved, That the bill do pass.
By order of the Assembly,
WM. C. CRAIN, Speaker.
Approved this 7th day of May, 1846.
SILAS WRIGHT.
Revisep Sratutes, Part IV, Chap. 3, Title 1.
§ 24. It shall be the duty of the keepers of each of the said
prisons to admit the said inspectors, or any one of them, into every
part of such prison; to exhibit to them, on demand, all the books,
papers, documents, and accounts pertaining to the prison, or to the jm
persons confined therein; and to render them every other facility in
their power to enable them to discharge the duties above prescribed.
And for the purpose of obtaining the necessary information, to enable
them to make such report as is above required, the said inspectors
shall have power to examine on oath, to be administered by either of
the said inspectors, any of the officers of the said prisons, and to con-
verse with any of the prisoners confined therein, without the presence
of the keepers thereof, or any of them.
ERRAT.
It is due both to the publishers and compilers of this Report, before
presenting the table of Errata, to observe that it was printed entirely
without a revision of the proof, and therefore errors have almost un-
avoidably crept in. We have endeavored herein to supply every im-
portant deficiency, and above all to render the statistics correct.
Page 17, case 505, line fourth; insert after “told him that”
« Wells sent for;” page 20th, case 367, line 13, for 358, read 357;
line 14, for 1843, read 1848 ; page 25, eighth line from the bottom,
insert as follows after the words was “withdrawn:”? “Found Dec.
Ast, 49 persons in prison, confined on temporary commitments or com-
mitments for examination, two of which had thus been confined for
three months and eight days, and others varying from two months
down to two days. Thirteen cases were of more than twenty days
standing, and for eleven of these I took out writs of habeas corpus,
all of which would have been brought before one of the Justices of
the Supreme Court, and probably discharged, had not the police jus-
tice been informed of my intention, and commenced on Sunday a ge-
neral examination, which he continued to a Jate hour on Sunday eve-
ning, so that on the next day but three or four cases remained for the
revision of the Judge; these were brought before him. More than
half of these cases were committed by the justice without any oath on
the part of the complainant, and some without either oath or officers?
name attached to the commitment. On a subsequent visit 33 cases
of temporary commitment were discovered, eleven of which had been
in prison more than fourteen days under the circumstances. Ist case
disorderly conduct, committed without oath or officers’ name. 2d.
Charge of larceny, without oath. 3d. Charge of grand larceny,
without oath. 4th, Charge, grand larceny, without oath. 5th.
[Assembly No. 198,] 26
402 [Asersone
Charge, grand larceny, without oath,
officer. 7th. Charge, suspicion of larceny, without oath, Sth.
Charge, assault and battery, without oath. 9th, Charge, suspicion
of grand larceny, without oath. 10th. Charge, grand larceny, with-
out oath, 11th. Charge, grand larceny, without oath and without
officer.”
6th. Charge, rape, without
Page 49. Escapes—for been discharged” read ‘ escaped.”
62. —Maine—number in prison, for 47, read 67.
63. Naw Hampshire—nativity; Maine, for 4 read 3, and after
‘New-York 6, read Poland 1.
63. Clinton—Englands for 3 read 2.
64. New Jersey—for New-York 97, read 27.
66. Where convicted; Maryland, for Baltimore city 139, read
129.
67, Where convicted; Ohio, for Gallia 3, read 2.
69. luburn—moral and religious culture; were in the habit of
reading the Bible, for 556, read 526; add “ seldom read
Bible before imprisonment, 556.”
79. Auburn—occupation previous to conviction; for boatmen
87, read 39; for “gold pencil maker read gold pen ma-
ker?
80. Sing-Sing—for laborers 211, read 217; unaccounted for,
for 42 read 36.
80. Western Pen'y—for rope maker read saddler.
81. Eastern Pen’y—after confectioner 1, read hostler 2, for
coackman read coach maker.
81. Ohio—afier hame maker 1, read tron roller 1.
82. New Hampshire—for cabinet makers 21, read 31.
82, Massachusetts—for washers, read washers, sweepers and
wood sawyers, 18.
89. Causes of diseases in State and county prisons; for pnet-
monia 1, read 45 nephrites 1, read 3; for total 91, read
92.
116, West. Pen.—Physicians reports for No. 1224, read 1324
177. Vermont— expense; demands carried to susp’ acct.,” for
$12.53 read $15.23.
ITT. Rhode Island—receipts; for fare acct. read “fan acct.”
130. For Georgia from 1817, read 1847.
Ie4y
No. 198. 403
Poge 147. After Massachusetts, P. insert “Inspectors report 1849,”
(and generally where the year is omitted after the name
of the State prison, insert 1849.)
150. 17th and 18th Tines; considered as a note by the compilers
before 19th line from the op insert Massachusetts, P.
Wardens’ report, 1849,” ,
3. Before 15th line from top, insert Mass. S. P., Choplain’s
report, 1819,
Before 8th line from top insert, Geen
gia S. P., Keeper's
report, 1819.” re
Page.
Officers of the Association for 1850,.....0cseeseeeveseeeee
Honorary and Corresponding members,.
Report of the Executive Committee,.
Statements of discharged on
Finances, ....eeceeeeees
Report of Committee on Detentions,
Cases, ..4
‘The city prisons, «
Frist district, .
Second district,
‘Third district, .
‘The penitentiary,.
workhouse ‘i
Prison Discipline, nies sawraaae -
Comparative view of the statistics of different prisons,.
Statistics of receptions and discharges in all the prisons,
nativity,
counties where convicted, .
mental culture,
miscellaneous,
Prison Discipline continued. «+++
Health, including diet, clothing, &c.y
Didiyauesece
Clothing,
Cleanliness, «+
Lighting and heating,
Ventilating «++
Fimployments, «.+.. Be
Occupations previous to conviction, ..+++se+es
gan
aar
[Assen
Medical tr ne
Table of health for eastern penitentiary, «
western penitentiary +
fatal eases, Marylandy..+++e+
phibisieal patients of Maryland, -
Tatal cases Ohio, « a
in toventy-one State prisons, +
Reformation, including classification, &e
Classification, +
Tnstruction, +. +
Sabbath sehioo!s,
Religious exercises,
Moral tredtment,.«
‘Administration
Discipline, «+
Correspondence of convicts, «
Coinparison of prison systems.
Separation and congregation
Length of sentences
Discharged convic
Traprovement of Boys
Women visitors
Method of «ee secounts.
Over we
Drying
Plelge given by convicts,
649
No. 128.] 407
Confinement on Sabbath,
Confinement in county jails,
Oath for officers,
Removal of conviets,. .
‘Tobacco as an instrument of prison discipline,..
Discharged convicts, :
Report of committee, ..
Cases, . aaa
Statistics,
Report of female department,.
Statistics of female departinent,....
Correspondence of female department,
Cases do do
Officers female departmen
Correspondence,
Letter from Secretary of State of North Carolina,..... 253
do Florida,
do Texas, ..-..
Letter from Wm, Penn Clark, lowa,...+++
Secretary of State of Wisconsin,.
Houses of refuge,
Report from superintendent of State reform school,
Massachusetts, Oe shades 258
Letter from superintendent of house of reformation,
South Boston, Massachusetts,
Report of house of refuge, New-York.
Letter from superintendent of western house of re-
fuge, cuaapreent
Report of house of refuge Philadelphia,
Letter from seperate colored house of refuge,
Philadelphia, .
County prisons, ..
Cireular of corresponding secret
Letter from sup’t Albany county prison,
Hartford do
Windham do
‘New Haven do
Col. Jebb’s letter,
seve 296
