he institution on principles
commensurate with the prevailing intelligence of our people, the genius
of our Christian civilization, and in keeping with the times in which we
live and what is being accomplished in other States.

46. _Experience with the new government._ In June, '71, the Democratic
rule gained the ascendency at Concord. When the new rulers became
established in their places, and were able to give attention to prison
matters, the Governor sent for me to call at the council chamber, which
I did. His desire, as well as that of his council, was to know really
about the state of things at the prison. It seemed that statements had
been made to them tending to show something of their true character. I
gave some general intimations as I understood matters, but could not,
from the circumstances, enter into particulars as on the preceding
pages; and, indeed, had not then so learned some of the facts that I was
at liberty to speak of them. They professed a determination to have the
prisoners properly treated, with enough to eat and of good food, though
the Governor said he had not posted himself on prison matters at all,
not thinking it worth while from the circumstances. It will be
understood that he was elected, not by the popular vote, but by the
legislature, and, previous to its assembling, he could put but little
confidence in his election there.

47. _Chaplain determines to have an investigation into the charges
against him in the Prison Report, but relinquishes the idea._ On reading
the Prison Report for that year, I felt not only shocked at the
character of its general statements, so far as the warden and committees
were concerned, but also determined on having an investigation into the
charges against me. Touching one's character in that way is no trifling
matter, and I did not feel like sitting quietly down under
representations so entirely false. Had I been guilty, I would have borne
the deserved rebuke without a murmuring word. Some proposed that the new
Governor and Council make a general investigation of the prison matters,
and I put this in with the rest. But they were not inclined to that
unless parties preferred charges, in which case they would hear and
consider them. Hence, I decided to call for a hearing on those
allegations, and prepared the papers according to legal advice, but
thought best, before sending them in, to consult certain influential
friends in the place about attempti