NEW ALMSHOUSE ON DEER ISLAND, IN BOSTON HARBOR. DESIGNED BY LOUIS DWIGHT, AND G. J. F. BRYANT, ARCHITECT. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE PRISON DISCIPLINE SOCIETY, BOSTON, MAY, 1853. Boston: PUBLISHED BY T. R. MARVIN. NOTE. THE following Reports are incomplete. In 1853, while engaged in finishing the Report of that year, and preparing it for the press, Mr. Dwight was attacked with paralysis, and was compelled to lay it aside. He was able to devote only a few weeks afterwards to sedentary labor, and with the aid of his daughter, as his amanuensis, he prepared a part of the twenty-ninth and last Report of his earthly labors. In this is given a résumé of the work of his life, which will be read with deep interest by all who appreciate his services in the cause of humanity, and his devotion to the succor of those who were ready to perish. THE goodness and mercy of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have reason to acknowledge during the last year, as in each successive year since this Society was formed; and even in our affliction, we have pleasant memories. AMOS LAWRENCE, AND have left us; but their departure can never blot out their noble acts; nor can we ever forget the smiles of their approbation, or their steadfast and immovable adherence. On what we deem good authority, it is stated that Amos Lawrence gave five hundred thousand dollars, and Robert G. Shaw four hundred thousand dollars, during their lifetime, to this and other objects of benevolence, while both of them thought and acted as though they felt that, in so doing, they were rich; that the value of riches was their use; and that a man had better see, himself, while he lives, what is done with a good portion of his property, and enjoy, as he goes along, the blessedness of giving, than leave, till after death, the decision of the question, What shall be done with my property? For 'God loveth a cheerful giver;' and Heaven welcomes, for Christ's sake, those who have poured out of their abundance, like water, as well as those who have given a cup of cold water only to a disciple in the name of the Master. The benefactors of our race, above-mentioned, were as remarkable in the manner, as in the amount of their good deeds. Those who were invited to co-operate with them, in the distribution of their charities, were made to feel that they were brethren and friends, in the great family of the Saviour; that the obligations were mutual and reciprocal; and that the channels of communication, between the fountains and the fields, were a part of the Saviour's system of peace on earth, and good will to men, as much as the water of life itself, pro ceeding from the throne of God and the Lamb; that all servants of God were subservient to God, and fellow servants one to another; and that the head could not say to the foot, I have no need of thee; nor the heart to the hand, I have no need of thee. Those only, who had the pleasure of their acquaintance and co-operation, who entered their houses or places of business, saw their faces, took their counsel, and departed with their free-will offerings and God-speed, could know the difference between them and misers. 'Blessed is he that considereth the poor.' The poor you have always with you.' If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.' Give, and it shall be given unto you.' These were household words, with Amos Lawrence and Robert G. Shaw. May God help them eternally. We have pleasant memories of them. Shall we not be happy to see them again? We do not mourn as those without consolation and hope. With this notice of departed friends, we present the following PLAN OF THE REPORT. PART I. IMPRISONMENT, FROM THE ARREST TO THE FIRST TRIAL, INCLUDING HANDS OF THE OFFICERS AND HAND-CHAINS, "WATCH-HOUSES" AND "LOCK-UPS." PART II. IMPRISONMENT, FROM THE FIRST TRIAL TO THE SENTENCE, INCLUDING PRISON DISCIPLINE IN JAILS AND HOUSES OF CORRECTION. PART III. IMPRISONMENT FOR MINOR OFFENCES, IN HOUSES OF CORRECTION, WORK-HOUSES, AND COUNTY PRISONS. PART IV. IMPRISONMENT OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS IN HOUSES OF REFUGE, HOUSES OF REFORMATION, STATE REFORM SCHOOLS, STATE FARMS, AND FARM SCHOOLS. PART V. PENITENTIARIES AND STATE PRISONS. PART VI. DISCHARGED CONVICTS. PART VII. LUNATICS IN PRISON. |