This practice has proved of great utility to me in the discharge of my duties. It has enabled me to learn something of the history of the men, their condition in the past, whether or not they have homes, and where, and what were their real wishes and wants, — thus aiding me in my efforts to adapt the right means in all cases when called upon to aid them.

In this I have had the kind coöperation of the warden and his efficient corps of officers, who have ever deemed it a pleasure to afford me every opportunity I could desire.

Some who have been discharged have homes in other States; quite a number reside in remote portions of our own State; many of these have expressed a desire to return to their homes on regaining their liberty, all of whom I have aided so to do. The sick and feeble I have endeavored to care for by placing them in asylums where they had claims of admission.

Letters and messages are frequently received from these men, showing that my labors with the discharged convict have not been in vain, ften ascribing their hopes, right resolves, efforts and success to the interest taken in them by this Agency.

One, writing from another State, says: "It is with great pleasure I report my success to you in obtaining employment with Mr. H. He was not at home when I arrived here, but I presented the letter you were kind enough to give me to the gentleman in charge, and he furnished me with employment. I cannot thank you in a better way than to act square, honest, upright, and to be industrious. With many thanks from a grateful heart, I am yours truly," &c., &c.

From Chicago, one says: "I am getting along slowly but well. Oh, I assure you it is sweet to be free, and to be recognized and treated as a human being. Times are pretty poor here, and it promises to be a very hard winter; thanks to God and my friends, I am provided for, for the present. Have the kindness to write as soon as possible; accept my thanks for the many acts of kindness shown me, and be assured that I shall show you my gratitude in good deeds, by striving hard to do well. In the hope of hearing from you soon, I remain your humble servant," &c., &c.

One, writing from Whitonsville, says: "With pleasure I write these few lines to you, to inform you that I am in good health and doing well here. I like the place, and the people are all

very kind to me. The wages are small, but board is low; plenty of work and no more idle times for me after this. You will be pleased to hear that I have obtained a situation in the machine shop for my son, as an apprentice for three years. Ι shall be in Boston on Fast-day, and shall be sure to call and see you. Hoping this may find you enjoying good health and every other blessing, I remain your humble and ever grateful servant," &c., &c.

Another, writing from New York, says: "When I left Boston, you requested me to inform you of my.welfare as soon as I should be settled; but I did not intend then to write to you until my affairs were in a comparatively prosperous condition. I thought then that I should have but little difficulty in obtaining employment. I looked forward into the future with buoyant spirits, feeling sure that, if God would but grant me good health, I would soon build up a home and a name for myself. 'But man proposes, God disposes;' since I have been here I have had but three weeks' steady employment. There are other branches of labor at which I might find steady employment, but owing to my bad health I dare not accept any of them; those who could and should have helped me to obtain labor adapted to the delicate state of my constitution have either given me the cold shoulder, or expressed their willingness to do so in very unwilling terms and decidedly unwilling looks. Could I compress all my experience of the short time that has elapsed since my release into this letter, you would be astonished. Now I am very poor, so poor that I do not know where my breakfast or dinner is coming from; and if you will help me to put over a few days or a week you will confer an infinite favor. Of course I do not ask you to aid me from your own pocket; but if you are allowed by the State to go beyond what you have already done for me, as I said before, it will be of infinite value to me. I applied to the Free Labor Agency to-day in search of country employment, but many days must elapse before I receive a definite answer. This is caused by the large number who are in search of employment, and whose names are entered on the books ahead of me; and what I am to do in the meantime, without a little of your assistance, God only knows. I feel as though I would rather starve to death before I would steal again; but those who are blessed with enough to eat and

wear, little know what hunger will drive a man to do. Please direct all letters to 50 East Fourth Street."

One from Chicago says: "According to my promise, I write of my whereabouts and of my doings. I arrived here last night, having been on the road ever since Monday night. I had to wait in Portland ten hours and in Port Huron twenty-four hours to make our connections; owing to these detentions, I only had two dollars and fifty cents left, which made me very hard-up to pay for my food along the road; however, in Port Huron the clerk of the steamer gave me a first-class ticket in exchange for my second-class, which procured me free meals while on board; otherwise I should have had to have tried the experiment of living on air. When I arrived here, through the influence of a friend I obtained a situation immediately, where I am going to commence work to-day; it is only a small place and a small salary, but I have hopes to do better by and by. In my next I will explain all particulars; until then, believe me yours truly," &c., &c.

One from San Francisco writes: "When I left Boston, I promised to write you as soon as I could. I will now make my promise good. I had a very good passage out; found my brother and his family all well; have done but little myself as yet; expect to get into business soon. The best move that you ever made was in helping me to come out here, and I think it will prove to be the best move that I have of late years made. I will write again soon, and give you all the particulars of my whereabouts, what I am doing," &c., &c.

One from Vermont says: "I think that a proper time has elapsed, and I herewith take the real pleasure of informing you of my safe arrival, kind reception, agreeable feelings and slightly improved health. I am here among the Green Mountains of Vermont. I have done but very little work since being here, but I suppose that sugaring will commence soon, and that will call for all of my available muscle. There are plenty of chances to hire out here at farming, but my health will not admit of that as yet. I hope all of your boys from the prison have found as good a stopping-place as I have. If my health improves enough by May, I shall strongly desire a job at manufacturing gasfixtures in the city, or, if that is not to be had, the next

best job. Please keep a look-out for me, and secure a place if possible, and oblige yours truly," &c., &c.

Many other cases of interest might be cited, showing in great variety of form the necessities for and beneficial results of this mission.

The additional appropriation made by the last legislature proved timely, and will no doubt be the means of saving many from feeling compelled by necessity to again commit crime.

The number of men assisted to tools during the year is

To conveyance home to their friends, and to other States to seek employment,

To meals and lodging,

To family stores,

86

27

6

The amount drawn from the treasury of the Commonwealth for the past year has been as follows:

Rent of office, travel of self with convicts, postage

Thus have I labored to extend the benefits of this Agency to all whom it was designed to assist. I have counselled some who knew not what to do, and encouraged the desponding, and granted material aid in such cases as seemed necessary and judicious. But it is proper that I should add, that I have failed to induce all with whom I have labored to remain true to their promises of living worthy lives. Some seem to be so organized,

mentally or physically, or both, as to be utterly unable to resist temptation. If they come in contact with the vices and habits of early life, they are almost certain to fall. They seem utterly beyond the power of human control. of human control. The kindest advice, the most urgent entreaties, the largest hopes of reward, all are lost upon them.

But this should not discourage us in our efforts for the great work of humanity in which we are engaged. We must expect such results in some cases. It would be remarkable indeed if some, on their return to the world, should not again indulge in vice, or even be guilty of crime. Strong drink, the prolific cause of crime and scourge of the fallen, meets them at every turn. Under its influence, and in the companionship of old associates, who wonders that they are again guilty of wrong? Still, justice to them compels me to say that the number of this class is small.

No one can hear and see what I have heard and seen, no one can study the condition and position of the discharged convict as he is again returned to society when the time of his imprisonment has expired, and be mindful of the aid and encouragement this Agency is the means of affording, without being convinced that, as trifling as is its expense to the Commonwealth, it is above all price to those whom it is designed to assist. No matter how pure the desire and sincere the resolves of the man on an amended life who is about to return to the world again, he is oftentimes met with so much coldness and distrust on every side, and he finds it so difficult, wherever he is known, to obtain employment in consequence of this condition of feeling, that he is discouraged, and sometimes discouragement sinks into despair, and from despair comes revenge; and thus, without the aid of some kind friend who really understands him and his position, and is willing to sympathize with him and assist him, for the double purpose of obtaining means of living and avenging himself on society, he too often plunges again into crime, utterly regardless of the consequences. These are the men whom we are to try to save; and many of them can be saved.

The history of scores who have gone out from our State prison demonstrates that State-prison convicts can become worthy citizens, and good, honest, trustworthy men. But they are saved