Cholera in some parts of the Eastern Continent, and were aware also, that it had made its appearance on our own shores. After the public exercises of the Sabbath, already referred to, the Proclamation of the Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth, designating and recommending the subsequent Thursday to be observed as a day of public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, in reference to the Pestilence which was desolating some parts of our Country, and which we had reason to fear, might speedily visit the State in which we lived, was read in the Chapel. The Chaplain took this occasion to remark, how suitable he considered such a measure to be, at a crisis so deeply interesting, and to express his gratitude that a day had been set apart, on which the community might, unitedly, implore the Divine interposition in their behalf. He exhorted them to study to prepare their hearts for the proper and acceptable observance of that day, as no one could tell how soon or suddenly we might be visited by the desolating scourge, and none could predict" What a day might bring forth." When therefore, the disease of which we have spoken appeared as it did on this same Sabbath, nothing could be more natural than the conclusion adopted by all, that the grand destroyer had actually appeared and was in the midst of them.

It is not the design of the Chaplain, neither is it his province to speak of the nature or peculiar characteristics of this disease. This he leaves to others on whom the duty more appropriately devolves; but he desires, in this place and on this occasion, to testify to the truly wonderful goodness and loving kindness of Him "who kills and makes alive, who wounds and who heals," that of all those who were attacked in this sudden and violent man

ner, not a single

victim of death.

individual was suffered to become the Whatever the disease may have been, it can hardly be doubted, that had not medical aid been promptly afforded, and skilfully applied, in all the cases where the attack was violent, not a few of the number attacked, must in a very short time, “have gone the way of all the earth."

The constant and unwearied attention of the Physician of the Prison-as also of those associated with him at that juncture, by day and by night, and the solicitude on the part of the Inspectors and Officers of the Prison, to do every thing in their power for the relief and comfort of the sick, excited in the breasts of the prisoners, feelings of gratitude and of obligation, which in many cases, the power of language seemed too feeble to express. Some whose hearts were never before known to relent, or to possess any thing of generous and humane feeling, were heard to exclaim, even with tears—" We did not believe there remained in the world, so much of kindness and compassion as now we see manifested towards us." It can hardly be doubted, but some of these individuals will carry with them to their graves, salutary impressions made by the Dispensation of Providence to which we have adverted. Truly, while we "speak of Judgment" we are permitted also to "sing of mercy."

The Sabbath School, it is believed, has lost none of its interest, either with the teachers, or the prisoners who are the subjects of its instructions. On the minds of many, its influence is, unquestionably, most salutary. The Commonwealth and this Institution owe very much to the kind offices of those, who, from Sabbath to Sabbath, volunteer their services, as laborers, in this department of Christian benevolence. The average number of

34

convicts who are brought into this school, is about one hundred and ten. For a few weeks after the occurrence of the sickness in the Prison, the School was discontinued; and instead of one public religious service which it is customary to commence at 12 o'clock, M., two were holden; one at half past ten, A. M., and the other at half past four, P. M. This course was adopted during the continuance of the warm season, in order that the prisoners might have more exercise than ordinary, and the usual term of confinement in their cells, on that day, might be shortened. It was judged proper to adopt every precaution which might operate to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

With the present month the Sabbath School was recommenced, and the former practice, in regard to the public religious exercises of the day, restored. For many years the number of convicts in this Institution has not been so much reduced, as during the year which is now past. The average number, the present year, is more than fifty less than during the last. This is certainly matter of congratulation-although the pecuniary results of the Institution have no doubt been very materially af fected by this circumstance. After all, a diminution of crime, and a progressive improvement in the habits and morals of the community, are of far higher importance than any consideration of mere pecuniary profit.

It is now three years since the completion of the new Prison. As yet sufficient time has hardly elapsed, to test the results of the new, compared with the old system of confinement and discipline on those who have left the Institution. It cannot, however, be doubted for a moment, what this result must be, if any thing can be known from the operation of moral causes, and the experience

of other similar Institutions. A goodly number of those who have left this Prison within three years, are knownto be doing well, and to maintain a fair standing in the communities in which they reside. Of those who have been committed for the first time since the occupation of the new Prison, ninety two have been discharged. Twoonly of this number have been recommitted. The results of some inquiries made of the convicts within a few weeks past, may not be deemed altogether foreign to the subject of such a report, and at the same time may be gratifying to those who feel an interest in these subjects. The number of convicts of whom these inquiries have been made, is

220

Of this number could not read when they came to
Prison,

28

State that their parents were in the habit of giving them ardent spirits when they were children,

116

Parents, one or both intemperate,

Addicted to petty thefts before the age of 16,

54

44

Brought up without any regular trade or employment, 63 Left home before the age of 21, with the consent of

107

parents,

Left home before the age of 21, without the consent

36

Mother died before they were 10 years old,

Father died when they were between 10 and 21

years of age,

Mother died when they were between 10 and 21

20

51

coming to Prison,

Had associated with lewd women,

Left apprenticeship before their time expired,

Lived in habitual disregard of the Sabbath before

Addicted more or less to gambling,

49

157

76

95

Number of individuals standing in the relation of father or mother-wife or children-brother or sister, to the 220 men questioned as above, 1551 This last statement shows in a very striking manner that the evils of transgression are by no means confined to the guilty subjects of it, but extend to multitudes who stand connected with them by the nearest and dearest ties of kindred and affection. How many hearts often bleed, in consequence of the follies and vices of a single individual.

The Chaplain feels that he cannot close his Report, without expressing the high sense he entertains of the character and services of the late Warden of this Institution. Neither can he ever forget the cordial co-operation he always received from him in the discharge of his official duties; nor the multiplied acts of personal friend