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No. 2.

SENATE.

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

WARDEN OF THE STATE PRISON.

To the Honorable Senate and House of

Representatives in Legislature assembled:

IN obedience to the requirements of law, I herewith submit the following as the annual report of the Maine State Prison for the year ending April 30th, 1848.

At the close of last year there were 70 convicts-received since, 22-discharged by expiration of sentence, 21-pardoned 2-removed to the insane hospital, 2-remaining number, 67. They are employed as follows, viz:

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67

Smith Shops, It will be perceived that our number has decreased three during the year. None have died. The general health of the prisoners has been on an average better the past year than at any previous year since my connection with the prison. There are a number, however, so infirm or decrepit that they cannot earn but a mere trifle to the state, as they need more waiting upon than their labor amounts to when able to work.

Wm. T. Johnson, Printer to the State.

It will be seen by the tables that three are in solitary-one of the number is, in conformity with the law of 1844, under sentence of death. One who has a life sentence-a bad, dangerous and exceedingly violent prisoner-it was thought for the safety of both officers and convicts, he should be secured. A third, (a colored man,) is also unsafe to have his liberty with the others. His term of sentence is nearly up, having been confined but a short time. These convicts are unproductive, as the cells which they occupy are common cells and not sufficiently large to labor in. The other convicts, with but few exceptions, conduct themselves in a becoming manner. Their accommodations are good when they are well, and when sick they are taken as good care of as our circumstances will admit.

I suggested to the legislature in a former report, the necessity of building a new hospital, so as to enable the sick to be better situated and taken care of. The present hospital, though sufficiently large, cannot be as well ventilated as is desirable. I hope this matter will be taken into consideration by the present legislature. It also appears to me that there should be some suitable place erected for those convicts who are sentenced to solitary confinement and hard labor agreeably to the law of 1844. There is now no suitable place for them, and they must of necessity occupy a common cell. This cell, though made comfortable, being well lighted and ventilated, is quite too small for labor, and sufficient exercise, which is ever necessary to health. I would suggest the propriety of erecting this building sufficiently large, both for solitary rooms and a hospital. A portion of the west wing of the old prison still remains, which could be used as a foundation for this building.

I am aware that some persons will say that as the state prison is a continual drain upon the treasury, we should be cautious how we appropriate money for that institution. But, gentlemen, do not the citizens of the State of Maine feel proud to support this institution at a small expense, when they know that this expense is wholly owing to its small number of convicts? It must be apparent to

every individual that if our prison numbered as many as do some in our sister states, it would yield a large revenue. But I am fully satisfied that the prison cannot support itself with so small a number of convicts, and about one third of that number either waiters upon the others, sick or decrepit. These prisoners, though unfortunate, should atone for broken laws; yet while they are receiving the just punishment of their deserts, they should also be kindly treated and taken care of.

It will be perceived that it has cost more to carry on the prison this year than on some former years. This is attributable to various causes—one of which is the high prices of provisions of every kind during the last year. Also, since the erection of the new prison it requires nearly double the amount of fuel; but that we hope is made up in comfort to the convicts. Another reason is, that at the commencement of cold weather last fall, the prisoners were taken from the quarry and put into the shoe shop, believing it would be more comfortable for them through the winter and shield them from the storms. This, of course, did not yield much profit, as they could earn but little in that shop.

We have also strengthened our forces by the addition of another guard, making in all four day guards. The rifle company attached to the prison, was disbanded several years since, and it is necessary for the safety of the prison to have as much force as we now have. An extra overseer was found necessary in the shoe shop as a large number of convicts work in that shop. The two overseers cut and fit the work for the convicts.

After all these expenses the prison has a little more than supported itself exclusive of officers' salaries. I think we shall not need any appropriation for this year in the ordinary expenses; but if the legislature should authorize expenditures exceeding a thousand dollars, I think an appropriation would be needed. The prison falls short of paying all expenses, including officers' salaries, $4,138 26.

In making my communication to the legislature last year, I thought and intended it for my last; but at the request and earnest

solicitation of many of my friends of both political parties, I have continued to discharge the duties of the office to the best of my abilities a little longer.

If any considerable alterations should be made in the prison, I would suggest the propriety of sending a committee of the legisla ture to see and say what should be done.

In closing this report, I would refer you to the report of the inspectors for a more detailed account of the operations of the prison for the year, as they have at all times been faithful to their trust, critically watching the operations and advising the warden as to the best methods to be pursued, which favors are gratefully received by me.

For information in regard to the religious and moral condition of the prisoners, please see the chaplain's report, who has faithfully attended to his duties, as have also all the subordinate officers of the prison.

All which is respectfully submitted.

BENJAMIN CARR, Warden.

Convicts in the State Prison, April 30, 1848.

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