The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-05-07

as brute animals, worthy only of such
treatment as must be offensive 10 their
Maker when inflicted even upon these,
could have Witnessed that scene and felt its
sacred influences. II depraved and har-
dened criminals were not proof against
them, such persons surely could not be.
After this, the services were closed in
the Mule Prison, by singing the "MiIlen-
num-" and the Farewell"
In our prison, the piece first mentioned
was SUM at the close of a brief but appro-
pirate and spirited sermon by Mr. Luckey,
the Chaplain. You are so well acquaint-
ed with the condition and spirit of things
with US, that | need not enlarge upon The
pure and exalted pleasure that was mani-
fest in every countenance in our little
Chapel. Then followed the clay of the
prisoner with an efec! as touching as
had been witnessed in the lower Chapel,
and the services were closed with the
Farewell"
Perhaps, after all, the most affecting
scene occurred IN the hospital of the M ile
Prison, when the unfortunate inmates Of
that place Of sickness and death--some of
them in a stale of gloom bordering on de-
spair, and others drawing near the grave
were permiued 10 listen TO the heavenly
strains of these charming minstrels. 1t
was almost enough 10 "create a soul I'M
der the ribs OF Death" The eye of the
stricken invalid, moistened with tears,
sparkled with unwonted brightness, and
the rallid face seemed animated by a new
hope. With what touching effect came
10 us all at that homer the significant
words Of Christ, II was sick and in pris-
on, and We came unto me-" A few words
spoken BY MIR Luckey on this occasion
were in admirable harmony with the spir'
it awakened by the music. Such a scene
to have its full effect, must be Witnessed
it cannot be adequately described.
The influence ofthis visit upon The dis
cipline OF the Prisons can hardly be over
estimated. | am confident it will be visi~
bic for months 10 come in the more cheer.
full obedience of the prisoners to the rules
of the institution, in the diminulion Of that
dulness and lisllessness so observant in
all prisons, ard in a more serious alien
zion to religious instruction. 1t is by in
1uences such as this that all necessity for
the lash may be removed as gently and
effectually as the icy drapery of winter is
melted away in the genial atmosphere Of
Spring.
Not one Of our prisoners who was pres.
enl at the visit of the other branch oflhis
gentle and musical Family had forgotten
any Of The pleasant incidents OF that occa-
sion, and | can scarcely tell you how
grateful they are for this second blessing
- for a blessing indeed it is 10 them.
And also to US ! | mean to US espe-
cially who live a! the Female Prison as
officers, and are liule less excluded from
the pleasures Of society and the delights
afforded by it than those under ouT
charge. Ia the dearth of our social en-
joyments, such visits are scarcely less q
boon TO us than to our prisoners.
But you understand all that. | will on
| " add that the universal wish of all here
is that The Hutchinsons might be ofen a
mong US with their gerHle, unaffected man
ners, their hearts Of harmony, and theil
music so we'll calculated 10 produce such
hearts in others.
Very truly, Yours,
E. w. FARNHAM.
Hon. J. w. Edmonds.