ed on the table
for each man. The prisoners are given all the food they can eat. It is
not the quantity, but the quality, that is objectionable.

If more bread is wanted, instead of calling out "Please pass the bread,"
the convict holds up his hand, and the waiter comes along and puts a
piece of bread in it. He gets but a pint of coffee, and if he wishes
a second supply he holds up his cup and it is refilled--but with water
instead of coffee. If he wishes more hash he holds aloft his meat dish,
and an officer hands him a large pan of hash, out of which he fills
his dish. Not a word is spoken during the meal. Ample time is given the
convicts to get all the food they desire; then the deputy warden, who
occupies a raised seat at the end of the dining-room, taps a small
bell, and the men march out in divisions, back to their cells on Sunday
mornings, and to their work on week days.

Breakfast over, and the men in their cells, the choir, which leads the
singing and furnishes the instrumental music for the occasion, is taken
out, and, under the watchful care of an officer, is conducted to the
chapel where they practice until time for the regular services. The
choir was composed of convicts who could sing, regardless of the crimes
for which they were sent to prison. I recollect at one time we had two
horse-thieves, two rapists--one with a sentence of forty years--three
murderers, two hog-thieves, and several others of equally villainous
records, and, last of all, the author! But this choir will compare
favorably with some of the high-toned church choirs outside! To return,
think of such a choir singing:

"Oh, how happy are they,
Who their Saviour obey,
And have laid up their treasures above!"

At eleven o'clock, the prison bell rings, and the men are marched in
ranks to the chapel. When the first division or company reaches the room
where the services are to be held, the string band commences to play,
and as the divisions march in one after another they are greeted with
music. The instruments used are a piano, organ, violin, cornet and bass
viol. Very fine music is rendered by the prison band. All being seated,
the chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Crawford, a genuine Christian and God-fearing
man, rises, and in his happy style reads some beautiful hymn which
is familiar to the congregation. The choir leads and the entire
congregation sings. Such singing! The convicts have only one opportunity
a week to try their voices in a m