mens of "the criminal" we
have had pictured to us in so many works on "Penology"? Or are they simply
men from the same stock as the rest of us--some of them degenerate, some
mentally ill balanced, some slaves to evil habits, diseased, sinful, or
simply unfortunate--whatever you like--but still men? I think these
letters may help others to an answer as they have helped me.

A few days after the memorable Sunday on which I left prison, Warden
Rattigan found a paper placed upon his desk. It came from the slight, pale
man with whom I had talked in July, the man who struck me as being such a
cynic--so discouraged and discouraging, the one with whom I had not shaken
hands upon leaving, because--Heaven forgive me--I thought he had no
interest or confidence in me or my experiment.

It seems, according to the Warden, that this man (his name is Richards)
had at first been very sceptical concerning my visit; but he had, as will
appear, watched me very carefully; and, after having changed his own point
of view, was much irritated by certain sarcastic editorials in the
newspapers. So he applied to the Warden for permission to write a letter
on the subject to one of the great New York dailies.

When the Warden showed the letter to me I advised against its
publication--as I cared for no personal vindication. But I treasured the
letter, and Richards and I have since become the warmest of friends. Here
is what he wrote to the Warden:

I think that in justice to the prisoners in this institution that
objection should be taken to some of the editorials which are being
printed about Mr. Osborne's experience as a voluntary prisoner in
Auburn prison. I for one desire to protest and take exception against
some of the editorials which appear in the papers--especially in the
New York A---- and S----.

I have only used my privilege of letter writing on one occasion
during my nearly two years' incarceration here, and I wish that I
could be allowed to write to one of these papers a letter setting
forth my exceptions in the following strain, and I want to assure you
that I mean every word of what I have written.

The following is his draft of the proposed letter to the New York paper.

I am one of those whom society calls a confirmed criminal. I have had
the misfortune to be unable to resist temptation on several
occasions, with the result that I carry upon my left sleeve t