Columbia gazette., 1854-01-07
THE STATE PRISON.

THE STATE PRISON.
Under the law passed May 18th,
1858, it was provided tl1ata contract
should be entered into for the erection
of a State Prison at San Quentin Point,
in Marin county, limiting the expendi-
ture to $135, 900, exclusive of the sum
Of $lS,3o0 to be paid to +. Vassault,
on account Of excavations and materials
provided by him under former contrac.
which was repealed. The Prison Fund
is raised by tax Of four cents upon
each hundred dollars, the amount Of in
tcrest at seven per cent, to be paid semi
annually on the bonds issued, and the
residue Of the tax to constitute sink
ing fund to be applied to the redemp-
ton of the bonds. The provisions Of
this law have been complied with by
the Board Of Commissioners, consisting
OF the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary
and Treasurer Of State, and the State
Prison is now nearly completed.
A visit to Point San Quentin on the
2lst, enables us to give an account Of
the progress of the work on the prison,
and the general condition Of things in
connection Herewith.
The shores Of the Bay, approaching
the Point, are very beautiful with their
fresh spring drapcry Of green, and pic
turesque undulations. The prison-hulk
of the Wabash lies at the Point. still
affording temporary sleeping quarters
for the prisoners, the number Of whom
has recently and very rapidly swelled to
two hundred and thirty-6ve. A greater
portion of these convicts are employed
at present in filling up swampy valley,
adjoining the landing, on which it is in
tended to have an addition to the brick
yards. The pick, shovel and wheel
barrow were most actively used by the
crowd Of laborers lcveling the hill The
countenances Of none Of them exhibited
sullcnness, but all worked actively, and
quite as contentedly as could be expect
ed To the left Of the landing are the
sheds over the brick-making machines
and kilns, and the kitchen arrangement.
The prisoners are for the time, fed under
long shed, where table is set out,
supplied with for each man, a large
piece ofgood beef. a piece Of fresh bread,
larger than New York six cent loaf,
and in quality fully equal to the best
baked in this city. Potatoes are also
provided, and pea soup was likewise in
clnded in the bill Of fare for the day
The prisoners ate heartily and cheer
fully, and gave every indication that
they were properly cared for. The e.
rection of the new prison has been car
ried on by Mr.. Johns, with the labor of
the convicts, under contract or agree
mcnt with Gen. Estill who has succeed
ed the former joint contractors, Vallejo,
Hays end Estill, the latter having been
released on application to the last legis-
laturc. During the past few months,
all the force has been engaged in the
construction Of the prison, but the ia
cilities in use are adequate to furnish
10000 bricks per day-50, 900 by the
new patent machinery, and 90, 900 by
the small hand machines.
The new prison structure is situated
several hundred yards from the landing,
and partly shut out Of view from the
bay by a hill intervening. The build
ing is erected on very deep and broad
foundation, Of rough hewn stone, well
pointed, and presents a most imposing
and substantial appearance. Its di-
mensions are $50 feet by % feet, two
stories high, with balconies the whole
length on both sides. On the lower
stories the arches are elegantly grooved,
resting on octagonal pillars. This floor
is intended chiefly for an eating apart
ment, the cells being above. The sec
ond floor is divided into two rows of cells,
twenty-four on either side, each cell ia
hold four persons. These apartments
are thoroughly constructed with view
to the perfect security of the prisoners.
They are well ventilated, and in the ar
rangement Of the floors, walls and doors,
there seems complete regard to the
safe and sure retention of the occupants
A close inspection Of the entire struc-
ture must prove satisfactory as to the
fidelity Of the performance Of the con-
tract with the State, and exceedingly
creditable TO- the skill Of Mr.. Steb5ins,
the builder.
The prison will be entirely finished
and ready for delivery to the State be-
fore the meeting Of the next Legislature,
Under the management Of the present
contractor, Gen. Estill, there has been
a great improvement in the discipline oi
the prisoners, and scarcely one has sue.
oeeded in making good an escape from
his charge. Sixteen guards are employ.
ed and on duty night and day. These
hare > plan 80 arranged that tho loss q
| ! prisoner, q any rsbellicss action, ean
lnot trauspire, without the conuivanc,