Public instruction, on the Sabbath, is, doubtless, one means, which should be steadily used: still, the course which has heretofore been pursued, is manifestly attended with its objections.

The clergymen who have officiated at the Prison, have, mostly, had the charge of other congregations.

Every third Sabbath, they preach a sermon to the convicts in the Prison; then go to their own people, and are generally seen no more until their time to officiate again, calls them to the Chapel. Being thus situated, they cannot, in the nature of things, use all those official means, for the improvement and reformation of convicts, that they could, were their labors more devoted to them, personally. Besides, the convicts themselves, who rarely see these men, excepting on the Sabbath, when they are in the Desk, are but too apt to feel, that they come and preach to them as a mere matter of course, and are then gone, and feel no further solicitude about them.

It is conceived there can now be no question, but that provision ought to be made for the support of a resident Chaplain, who shall have the special charge of the religious instruction of the convicts, whose duty it. shall be, not only to preach to them on the Sabbath, but to improve all the opportunities afforded, by giving them religious instruction and counsel, when in their cells, and when confined by sickness in the Hospital.

In other Penitentiaries, where the convicts are permitted, in a greater or less degree, to maintain an intercourse with each other, and where numbers are congregated at night, it is hardly to be expected that any very important benefits would result from such a step.But in this Prison, where no such intercourse is suffered, it is confidently believed, that an opportunity is presented to a resident Chaplain, to effect vastly more than can rationally be expected from the course which has hitherto, until of late, been pursued.

A resident Chaplain, posessed of those qualifications by which he ought to be distinguished; having a thorough knowledge of mankind-prudent, firm, discreet and affectionate; actuated by motives of public policy and Christian benevolence ;-will very readily secure the respect and confidence of a majority of the convicts. Residing with them, and visiting their solitary and cheerless abodes, they will consider him, especially the young, as their minister, their guide, their counsellor, their friend: They will be disposed to open their hearts to him, with freedom. He will learn their history-become acquainted with their views and feelings, and will thereby be enabled to adapt his instructions and reproofs directly to individuals, as their several circumstances may demand. Secluded as the convicts are from society, and shut out from all intercourse with each other, their minds seem to be prepared, in a peculiar manner, to receive salutary impressions; and when once made, having no connexion with their fellows, they are in a situation, very favorable, to retaining them.

Thus circumstanced, a discreet, judicious man will know what instructions to give, and in what manner he may best apply them

It must appear obvious, that suitable instructions and reproofs, administered under such circumstances, are calculated to produce a more deep and certain effect, than when given, as they ordinarily are, from the pulpit, in general terms, and not adapted to the particular circumstances, feelings, and trials of those who are immediately concerned.

There are always more or less of the convicts, who are, by sickness, confined to the hospital. Without a resident Chaplain, this class of convicts, unless by mere accident, is deprived of the privilege of religious instruction. But a resident Chaplain would feel it to be his duty, often to visit and converse with them, to enlighten the ignorant, to administer consolation to the afflicted, to sit by the beds of the sick and the dying, and by his instructions and admonitions, to do every thing in his power to promote their best present and future interests. Though convicts, they are still accountable and immortal beings; and deprived as they are, at such trying seasons, of the sympathies and the kind offices of their parents, their wives, and their children, they need, in a peculiar manner, some benevolent and pious friend, to instruct and to console them. Should they die, the reflection remains, that all was done that humanity and Christian charity demanded. Should they recover-such a course of treatment has a powerful tendency to soften their feelings, to affect their hearts, and improve their conduct.

A resident Chaplain, should in all cases, and under all circumstan→ ces, strictly conform to the rules and regulations of the Institution, especially, in not furnishing convicts with forbidden intelligence, or the hopes or promises of aid, in procuring pardons, which would lead to great hypocrisy, and tend to insubordination. He should deal plainly with them, and dwell emphatically upon their deep depravity and guilt, in violating the laws of God and their country-convince them of the justice of their sentences-awaken remorse in their consciences-press home upon them their solemn obligations-make them feel, pungently, the horrors of their situation; and, by all other means, to make them realize the necessity and duty of repentance, of amendment, and of humble, and strict obedience, to all the regulations of the Prison.

This course would tend powerfully to make them better convicts; and whenever restored to their liberty, better citizens. I feel it a duty to state, that the views of this Institution, until lately, have been unfavorable to the services of a resident Chaplain, from the belief, that they might have a bad effect upon the discipline of the Prison.

In November last, the Rev. Jared Curtis was employed and sent here, as a resident Chaplain, by the Massachusetts Prison discipline society, since which, he has continued, with ability and zeal, to discharge the duties before referred to; and although strong prejudices were to be encountered, his knowledge of human nature, correct views of public policy, the Penitentiary system, and Prison discipline, with a steady and uniform devotion to his duties, has not only enabled him to overcome those prejudices, but the favourable results of his labors, fully justify what is said above on this subject. How long that valuable society will extend its patronage to this Institution, is uncer

rain; and it is respectfully submitted, whether the public institutions of this state, should not be supported, in all respects, either by the go, vernment, or our own benevolent societies, without the aid of charity from abroad.

I am happy to observe, that the opinions of all the several Clergymen, who now officiate in our Chapel, correspond with the general views above expressed, in relation to a resident Chaplain. One of them suggested, as the only objection, that convicts, having different views of different persuasions, would not have their prepossessions gratified, so much, as by hearing those of various denominations, and hence, that preaching might not have so favorable an influence upon some of them.

SUNDAY SCHOOL INSTRUCTION.

This subject is intimately connected with that of the preceding ar ticle, and if possible, is one of still greater importance.

In the early part of the last spring, measures were taken to ascertain the number of convicts who were unable to read; or who had received so little instruction, that they could read only by spelling most of the words. The number was found to be between fifty and sixty. Besides these, there were many others, who, although they were able, in a measure, to read, were still grossly ignorant. Here was exhibited a striking proof, that ignorance is a fruitful source of depravity and crime. It may not be uninteresting to remark, in this place, that among the whole number of convicts, in this Prison, not one is known to have been ever a member of a Sunday School. Knowing that in the common course of events, a great portion of these ignorant and degraded delinquents, would be restored to their liberty, and again mingle with society, it was considered to be a solemn duty, to do, what could consistently be done, to enlighten their minds; and by instruction, if possible, to elevate their views, and to make them better men ; and eventually, more enlightened and better citizens.

The only practicable mode to effect this desirable object, which would accord with their situation and the sentence by which they were confined, was judged to be the establishment of a Sunday School, which was opened in the month of May. Fifty, of that class of convicts, whose ages did not exceed 25 years, and who were the most ignorant, were selected and placed in the School. These were divided into a number of classes, corresponding to the number of teachers.

*In our Report of 1822, we state that "considerable pains have been taken to learn the state of education and intelligence among the convicts. There are about thirty, who can neither read nor write; more than three fourths can barely read and write, and not one in ten who possess any degree of intelligence acquired by reading."

In consequence of these facts, a Schoolf or Juvenile convicts was organized, and continued for some time under the instruction of an intelligent convict; but the inconvenience and evils of it were thought, by the then Agent, to overbalance the Benefits, and it was discontinued.

In classing them, reference was had to their previous attainments. Some could read indifferently well, while others were even ignorant of the alphabet. During the exercises of the School, in addition to learning the scholars to read, great pains have been taken to impress upon their minds a deep and abiding sense of moral and religious obligation.

The privilege, presented these convicts in the opening of this school, was embraced with the greatest avidity and apparent thankfulness. Their conduct has been uniformly good, and their industry and application unremitting; and it is very gratifying to be able to state, that their progress has exceeded the most sanguine expectations-nor is this all-an influence of a very salutary nature and tendency, it is believed, has been exerted on the minds of many of the members of this school -an influence which it is hoped will be felt through the whole course of their future lives.

It may not be uninteresting to mention the singular effect of this instruction upon an active, but grossly ignorant young Indian, who, a short time tince, after asking leave of his Keeper to speak to him, said, that "he had been bad boy, would lie and steal, that he had learnt in Sunday school it was wicked and wanted to go before the Agent, confess and promise he would never disobey God any more." When these scholars have obtained a knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetick, sufficient to enable them to understand, if not to transact the ordinary business of life, it is intended to take another class of convicts, still older, and give them such instruction, as shall be found practicable.

But the means of improvement and reformation can, certainly, be applied to the juvenile class of convicts, with the best hopes of success.

DUTIES OF THE AGENT AND KEEPER, DEPUTY KEEPER, PHYSICIAN, CLERK AND ASSISTANT KEEPERS.

DUTY OF ASSISTANT KEEPERS.

These officers are styled Assistant Keepers in the law directing their appointment, but they are sometimes called Turnkeys-an appellation, however, that has little application to the nature and im, portance of their various services, as Assistant Keepers.

They have the same authority and control over convicts, while under their charge, in compelling obedience to orders and regulations, that can be exercised by the Deputy or principal Keeper..

The arduous duties of the Assistant Keepers, have appeared so fully in stating the Prison rules and regulations, that no further recapitulation can be necessary.

DUTY OF THE CLERK.

The Clerk must be in his Office, at the Prison, from the time of opening, until closing it, except an hour, each, for breakfast and dinner, and generally to perform all such writing as the Inspectors and Agent may require.

He makes out visiting Tickets, and receives the money from visitors, and accounts, every night, to the Agent for the same, and such other monies as he has received, during the day.

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It is also his duty (as well as the Agent's) to see that the accounts are properly kept, in the different shops, for labor done by the convicts, and at the close of each month, or oftener, if required by the Agent, to copy them into the regular Office Books, which must, at all times, be posted and ready for examination.

He must examine and copy into the Books, the items of all bills of articles purchased by the Agent for the Prison.

At the end of each month, he must examine, arrange and number. the vouchers for that month, make out two abstracts of the same, one for the Comptroller and one for the Office, and after the vouchers are audited by the Comptroller, enter the same, in detail, in the Books, so that, from year to year, all the items of expenditure may

appear.

He copies pardons, and should be present to make entries and necessary papers whenever convicts are received or discharged, and keeps the Books, in which are recorded their names, ages, crimes, sentences, where tried and by whom sentenced, with a description of their persons and places of nativity.

It is his duty to make out all the writings and returns that are necessary, in making the annual settlement between the Agent and the Comptroller, and also the details for the Inspectors' annual Report to the Legislature.

He records all appointments and removals from Office, and the official transactions of the Board of Inspectors, and attends, strictly, to pecuniary concerns in the absence of the Agent.

He makes out a pay-roll, and, under the direction of the Agent, makes a settlement with all the Prison Officers monthly, and also with contractors, and others who have dealings with the Agent.

DUTY OF THE PHYSICIAN.

The duties of the Physician are mentioned in remarks upon the management of the Hospital and the sick.

He must attend, personally, at the Prison, at a particular hour eve ry morning, repeat his visits through the day, and at all times when the condition of the sick requires it; and when sent for, is to come immediately to the Prison, to the exclusion of all other professional business or engagements.

He is also required, by law, to keep a register of all deceased convicts, stating their names, ages, places of birth, time of death, disease, and all other circumstances, which he may esteem necessary; which register shall always remain at the Prison, and be open to inspection.