Allusion to a previous chapter, relating to the fate of my fellow apprentices, — My attention again drawn to the subject, on meeting one who had been a convict in the State Prison, — Several years a teacher in the prison, — Remarks. — Meet an old acquaintance, — His rapid downfall, — His son,— Downfall and ignominious end, — My friendship for my friend, His behavior, acquainted^ with the history of two young convicts, — Disposition to hide their sins,— -Remarks of an old sinner,— His honest confession, — Murder of the Warden, — Discharge of one of my scholars as evidence,— His genteel appearance, — Recommitment to prison, — Liberation of another, — Calls on me, — Supply him,— Goes to New Bedford,— Returns,— Is the same Villain still,— Ungrateful conduct,— Arrested, — Sentenced to House of Correction,— Advice to the young,— Always willing to help the poor and afflicted, — Sometimes treated with ingratitude, — Assist an old drunkard,— His happv reform, and peaceful family, — Supply him with necessaries,— Another State Prison story, — Hypocritical rogue, — His apprehension, and history,— Thefts,— Appeals tome for sympathy,— Have nothing to do with him.
Ix a previous chapter, I alluded to tlie fate of some, who were apprentices with me, and of others, who were my contemporaries. In walking down Washington street one day, I met a certain character, who, to use the common phrase, is coining money, in a most nefarious business; who usually mingles in the best society. 1 could not refrain from looking back to the place where 1 first saw him, though on no consideration, would I ever mention his name. I will however relate a few incidents which rather conclusively show that State Prison conversions do not often amount to much. For several years, I had in company with others,^ at the solicitation of a Society of benevolent individuals, visited the State Prison, at Charlestown, on alternate Sabbath days^for the purpose of teaching the convicts, who were divided into classes, and invariably gave the greatest attention to the instruction.
The chaplain, Mr. Curtis, was apparently a man of exemplary piety, who did all that lay in 1h3 power for the present, and future welfare of the prisoners, and was sure to mark the incipient signs of repentance in any with whom he conversed, was also faithful in pro; noting its growth, which in some instances he felt satisfied, was consummated in genuine conversion, which in two other cases was the means of obtaining executive pardon, and premature discharge. At the early part of my services at the prison, while lookin fj round the chapel I saw a man anion 2: the convicts, who, during his apprenticeship, was one of my most intimate companions, a steady, industrious, and respectable youth.
He became a man, left his mechanical profession, followed the sea, became master and owner, married into a respectable family, had two children, a son and a daughter. The boy was well educated, and also followed the sea. Now, mark the downfall, and tell me how it could be. Capt. S., enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. But, all at once, like the gathering of a thunderstorm, or the destructive tornado, he fell, like Lucifer from Heaven, passing rapidly through all the grades of vicious delusion, until he was locked up in the State Prison for stealing. During the first two years of his imprisonment, his son was faithful and affectionate to his mother and sister, throwing in his earnings toward the support of the family.
But as suddenly as did father, so did he fall; became a drunkard, was discharged from his employ, and finally hung, as a mutineer, on board the U. S. brig, Somers. The chaplain of the prison felt encouraged from what he saw, that this unfortunate man was a true penitent. His sentence was for three years, and at its expiration, on the day of his release, I met him. and proffered my friendship. He told me that he had seen his wife, who was willing to receive him again, and to live with him. In order to encourage the reform, and to assist him until he could get into some employment, I furnished him witli fuel, groceries, and a supply of clothing, for all which he appeared v^ry grateful.