The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-10-01
For the Spirit ofhc .igC.
TO TIE CITIZENS OF VERMONT,

Fe,lor Cii:caS AS it has been known to the
people Of this State generally, that for almost seven
years past, have been in their service as Chap
lain, in the Vermont State Prison; and as it is
pretty generally known also, in every direction,
that was removed from that Office on the first day
Of December last, by Milton Brown, Esq. the SUI
pcrinendcn of said Prison, in a most unjust and
cruel manner; it is thought proper therefore, by
gentlemen in every direction, that in justice to my
self and to the people of this State, should pnb-
fish the ftcts in relation to that transaction. This
shall now do, by giving yOu history the whole
matter.
entered upon the duties of Chaplain in that
institution, on the 18th Of May, 1884, under the SUI
pcrinendence Of Hon. John H. Cotton, where
Brown found me, when he succeeded Cotton in the
government of the prison. When Mr. Brown en-
tered upon his duties, he was wholly ignorant OF
the prison, and Of all prison concerns. But clothed
with his brief authority his first movements show
ed that he was determined to exercise it, in rcnov-
ing from the service, men who were then employ
ed at the prison. and who had been faithful to their
irus. to make way for some of his personal friends
who lived at the north This he did by turning two
young away from the guard without reason, and
withou, notice. And almost all his movements in
the very commencement: Of his operations were
marked with imprudencc, and were very eXtraor-
binary in the view of US ALL
But rs he had just commenced and was wholly
ignorant of prison concerns, for one, felt disposed
to overlook these improprlees. As he protested
10 be pious, and talked and made a very good
prayer with the conyics, and proIessed 10 feel great
anxiety for the prosperity of the institution, and an
carnes, desire for the moral and religious improve
men, Of the conyics, could but hope and expect
TIM, he would finally make an excellent superntcn-
dent. Therefore determined TO do all that could
10 sustain and encourage him, and this did and he
knows it, But little did then think, however,
that, that same man, whom had used all my in
nuencc to support, would ultimately turn round
and become that ungraeful tcretch, who would,
when an opportunity presented, treat me so cruelty
and unjus,ly, as Brown has since done.
Twill now observe, that after Browns appoint
ment BY the Legislature, and previous TO his enter
ing upon the duties of his office, he came to visit
the prison At this time, we who weIc i'll the SER
yice Of the State, had right TO expect that he
would have consulted us in relation TO our con,in-
aiing in the service; and have nscertaned whether
we wished to do So unless his predecessor in office
had spoken unfavorably of some of u.s. and Brown
had determined to remove us; and in that case he
should have given notice of his intentions. But he
returned to the north, and never opened his head
TO us about it. There we remained in perfect
pense. not knowing what 10 do, or how we were
TO be disposed of, and that too, just as winter
setting in. But so far as it related to myself, as
soon as he came back again from the north, sent
him note, stating my situation. and requesting an
interview with him on the subject. Accordingly,
that night after prayers at the prison, conversed
with him upon the subject, and soon found that he
had written TO his own brother who was then down
country, in study for the ministry; young and
INEXPERIENCED man, 10 come and occupy the Chap
laincy of the prison. Thus, had he succeeded,
was TO be removed, without the least notice, TO
rive way for one of his own family. But Brown
informed me, that as it was uncertain whether his
brother would come, he wished me to continue
until he could find out, and if he did not come he
wished TO retain me-