Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-09-01
From the Boston Times.
An Hour i'm the Penitentiary


During our sojourn in Philadelphia, last
summer, we one day accepted an invitation
to visit the Penitentiary, there. we had
letters to the kind-hearted Warden, Mr..
ScATTEReooD, 60 most appropriate name,
by the way) who extended to us all the
courtesy we could have desired. We were
conducted through the Prison, and in com.
pany with Mr.. S. we entered several Of the
cells. The Superintendent hearing we
were from Boston, informed us that q
prisoner was confined there, for passing
counterfeit money, who hailed from Massa-
chusetts. He had been there some two or
three years, and we found him very intelli-
gent man. His cell was exceedingly
cleanly, and upon the table in the corner,
we discovered several standard books, a
bible, &c, which gave evidence of having
been thoroughly read by the prisoner.-
He was said to bo very industrious, knd
certainly appeared comfortable, under the
circumstances. His name was George i
He remarked that he was very glad to see
any one from Boston, and seriously regret
ted that he should have been one Of the
few Bostonians, comparatively, who had
disgraced the honored name of the sold
Bay State He was happy, apparently,
and as we parted, we shook his hand, and
remarked that it was possible we might call
on him again in few weeks. You will
be sure, Sir, 10 find me at home,' said he,
with smile, as we left the door of his cell!
AS we entered the reception room once
more, bulky despatch was handed to the
Warden by one of his deputies, and upon
opening it, he informed US that it was 1t
pardon for one ofthe convicts. We enquir-
ed if it would encroach upon the prison
rules, under such circumstances, to accom-
pany the Warden to the cell, while he
should read it to the prisoner, and were
kindly informed that we could join him.
fresh faced young man, Of perhaps twen-
ty-four, who was busily engaged at q little
loom, weaving.
'sGood morrow, John,' said the Warden,
blandly as we entered.
"Good morning, Sir"
"Thee keeps busy, John?' ..
80, yes Sir-but it's very dull "
s'Does thee tire Of work, johns"
ssNo Sir-but I think of bome.''
"And thee would like to visit home once
more!"
"Oh, Sir-if could but do SOL
s'And thee would not return again?"
81 would try to deserve the better, Sir. >
"We ell, John, what would thee say, if
should tell thee had a pardon for thee?'
s'Oh, Sir, such news would be too good ,
"But thee would like to hear it?''
81 care not for myself, so much," sale
the poor prisoner, and tears filled his eyes
-s'but for my wife and child, | would be
so happy''- q
sAnd thee would shun wicked company
John2" s..
ooh yes-and would labor for my wife
"Well, John, here Is thy PARDON" con
,inued the good old man-and he read the
document, which freed this unfortunate be-
ing, who had the pleasure Of seeing him
released, after three years confinement
and of learning that he joined his young
family, in whom he has since been q faith
ful guardian.
We passed out to the ante-room agair
where we encountered anew conner, wht
had Just reached the prison as we re-enter
ed. He had been sent up for five years
on a charge of embezzlement. s
He was elegantly attired in the lates
style Of fashion, and possessed all the non
ckalence and deyil-may care appearance Q
) genteel rowdy. He twirled his .vatc
f chain, looked particularly knowing at
! couple of ladies who chanced to be present
and seemed utterly Indifferent about hin
self or the predicament he was placed il
The Warden read his commitment, an
) addressed him with-s%c,: -1t ..-e - go.
"Charles, am sorry to SEQ thee here. y