one year since the founding of the institution. And most surely none
refused to accept of the offer and depart. Besides, nearly all who had
friends, except those soon to go out by commutation, were constantly
importuning them to intercede for their pardon, while those who had
none, were persistent in their pleadings with the warden, chaplain and
other prison officers to help them in efforts for the desired boon. Why
this, if good fare would be an inducement to return? Would the utterer
of that sentiment have sanctioned the idea of leaving the prison doors
all unlocked and unbolted for one night? What a skedaddling there would
have been, old or young, sick or well, the infirm and decrepit, hobbling
off as best they could, leaving their good fare behind and their cells
"to let."

What an idea! The good prison living, which at best can not be made
equal to the comforts in our most common families outside, lead men to
desire to be locked up in those gloomy cells for its sake and subjected
to the general prison regime! That man may fear it who will.

24. _Prisoners' anxiety at the rumored resignation._ This rumor soon
spread through the prison, not however to bring joy, but sorrow. I had
not imagined that the prospect would cause the prisoners so much
anxiety. Probably the slave of former days on the auction block, about
to be struck off to a new owner, and all uncertain as to his future
fate, would experience feelings allied to theirs. Their first anxiety
seemed to be about their educational and religious privileges, lest
these might be cut off or largely curtailed. Said one, "I have served on
board of a whaleman and been accustomed to the most rigid discipline
found there. I fear nothing in the line of strictness of rules, but can
not bear the idea of being deprived of our school and meeting
opportunities. I would do almost anything for the sake of enjoying
these." This was the feeling.

Then, they were deeply anxious about the character of the man to be put
over them, whether he would be humane, or the reverse. And no wonder,
when we consider how completely they are left to his control. Probably
no other state officer is so irresponsible as the warden of our state
prison,--that is, in a position where those under him are so completely
at his mercy, and where he can exercise real cruelty, if disposed, and
cover it up with a fair outside show. None but a man of humane
instincts, one especially qualified for the post