And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,—
That in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation; we do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy."

The experience of many careful men, who have opened their doors to appeals from this Agency for employment, can be given in proof that safety and success attend them in acting with us.

The proprietors of a large mill in the western part of the State, write: "The men you sent us have worked well, and been faithful, and proved in every respect fully equal to your recommendation. We shall soon increase the pay. When in Boston we shall be happy to call and make further acquaintance with him to whom we feel under obligation."

A highly respectable manufacturing company, in the eastern part of the State, writes: "Having for a long time observed, with special interest, your unwearied efforts in securing employment and friends for discharged convicts, and believing that a large portion of community cherish a severe prejudice to giving them a place in society, we take occasion to give you our experience, which we regard similar to that of many others, both for your encouragement, and the benefit of the cause. A young man, on coming from our State Prison, after serving nearly a twelve years' sentence, for larceny, was taken into our employ, a friendless and penniless orphan. He continued with us, as a machinist, ten years-till his death, and by his faithfulness in every respect won our entire confidence and regard. Meanwhile he invented an improvement in mechanic art, which proves of great benefit, and is already in extensive use. Such was his fidelity to us, and so manly was his whole conduct, that we were constrained to continue his salary a year after his death, for the benefit of his widow, he having married a worthy woman while in our employ."

A learned and greatly esteemed pastor of a church in one of our large cities, whose attention was called, near three years since, to several young men from the State Prison, who were placed near him, writes me recently: "Having acquaintance

in obtaining honorable situations in life, I venture to refer to three cases of genuine reform, which have come under my own observation, to aid you to remove prejudice in the public mind, and in procuring situations. You will remember the young men. The resolution to reform, which each one of them made on leaving prison, has been strictly observed, and they give evidence not only of a social and external change, but of an actual reformation in mind and heart. They are engaged in honest occupations, have all been respectably married, and are consistent members of Christian churches. I am convinced from my own observation that many young men leave the prison walls with a firm purpose of leading an honorable life, sincerely made. Could such meet with that degree of confidence and encouragement they need, I believe there would be very many instances to record of radical and permanent

reform."

The British House of Commons, in 1850, expressed an opinion in the following resolution: "That the committee concurs in the opinion that the great majority of convicted prisoners are open to the same good motives and good impulses which influence other human beings, and therefore, that a system of encouragement to good conduct, and endeavors to inspire feelings of selfrespect, self-reliance, and hopefulness for the future, ought to be adopted," &c.

All will admit that it is highly desirable that the community should aid in their re-establishment in respectable industry and domestic peace, by forwarding every well advised measure to encourage, sustain and fortify them, especially by supplying them with suitable employment, and with opportunities of mental and moral improvement. The interests-social, civil, and economical-of the State, are deeply concerned in ameliorating and improving the condition of these able-bodied, active, and often intelligent members of the community, whose freedom may be a blessing in proportion as they are preserved by friendly and benevolent hands, from the strong temptations which lie thick along their pathway.

All which is respectfully submitted by

DWIGHT GRAVES.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT............ No. 22.

ABSTRACT

OF THE

RETURNS OF THE SHERIFFS

OF THE

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

FOR THE YEAR ENDING

SEPTEMBER 30, 1861.

ABSTRACT