tent labor in drilling him almost daily
for some four weeks on the same figures; thus, in addition table 8 and
1, 8 and 2, &c., ending where we commenced. Ask him, "How many are 8 and
2?" and he would as quickly answer, "11," or "9," as anything. Still he
appeared earnest to learn, and was about twenty-four years old. He would
detain me with him as long as possible to help him catch the idea, and
would often say, "When I go out, I mean to find a good place where I can
go to school, for I intend to obtain a good education." At times he
would appear very religious, and talk and pray in our meetings; but,
should anything irritate him, he perhaps would fly into a rage beyond
all self-control, in which, if he could, he would kill a man as quickly
as he would a fly. Still, an officer of the needed prudence and skill,
by studying his infirmity and managing with due discretion, would have
but little trouble with him, and he would readily earn his living. He
would be an unsafe man to go at large, as dangerous, if fired with
anger, as any raving maniac. He should ever be under firm control
somewhere, with proper treatment and labor.

It would be difficult for us to determine how far moral responsibility
can be affirmed of this man. God alone can decide that.

J. was another fine looking man of some twenty-eight years, gentlemanly
appearing, with a good education, kindly disposed, usually of good
habits, honest, so far as known, except in two cases, and those in much
the same way. He would hire a team for a ride, go to a hotel and put up,
exchange or sell the horse, or harness, or carriage, or all together,
wander about awhile, and then return home for his father to help settle
the matter, making no effort to escape arrest. The first time he was
arrested, but not convicted, as neighbors pleaded in his behalf. The
second time he was sent to prison. On this trial neighbors urged the
father to put in the plea of insanity, but he refused, as so many were
resorting to that. Still, all said that he had the best of reasons, as
his own brother, or the young man's uncle died in an insane asylum, and
those exceptional acts of his must have been performed through an insane
impulse. Receiving a pardon previous to the close of his sentence, he
went into good employment, worked steadily about a year, and took the
same step again, when the court put him under guardianship, instead of
sending him to prison, which was no doubt the most judicious c