Table of daily average of Convicts who have received medical aid, &c. January 1, 1835, accompanying Physician's Report. DOCUMENTS Accompanying the report of the agent of the State Prison, Auburn. ( A.) Copy of a Circular of Inquiry. STATE PRISON, AUBURN, DEAR SIR-You are doubtless aware, that latterly considerable excitement has existed in many parts of the State, relative to the employment of convicts in mechancal labor in the State Prisons. Feeling deeply the importance of the subject as connected with our penitentiary institutions, and anxious to learn as far as possible, the effect which that labor has upon the citizen mechanics' interests, as well as the effects of our prison system upon the discharged convicts, allow me to solicit your answers to the following interrogatories: First: Are you acquained with any persons who have been discharged from either of the State Prisons? and if so, what are their names, places of residence; and what has been their conduct, habits and character since their discharge, also before conviction, if known? Second: What branches of mechanical, or other business do they prosecute? and to what extent? Third: Are there any articles, manufactured in the prisons of this State, sold in your place? and if so, what kinds, and to what amount per annum? Fourth: Does the mechanical business of the prisons injuriously affect the interests of the mechanics of your place? and if so, is it in the price, or the quantity brought into your market, or any other cause? The information above sought, is not merely important to this State, but to the United States, as well as to European nations; inasmuch as it involves the permanency of a system of prison discipline, which has been considered the best extant, and which in truth has constituted a new era in the punishment and reformation of criminals in this country, and is now receiving the attention of the governments of Europe. I therefore trust the subject will be considered of sufficient importance to claim your early and serious attention. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, LEVI LEWIS, Agent and Keeper. |