Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-06-08
WHOLE NUMBER 1859.

ton fora good bed. and when we
awoke in the morning. we were IN
smart ethyl The clouds had disap-
peared. and old Sol shone dowE
brightly, and nature looked nearly ns
cheerful In New York as in Indianai
was about undertaking a tour
through the city Of Rochester, when
that ominous whistle sounded the al
arm; and we only lad time 70 see
the Gennessee, as Il rushed madly
over the falls, and Fastening back,
we were soon ON the track, glidieg
past the delightful villages and lakes,
that beautify the enchanted landscape
between Rochester and Auburn
We wended our way up TO the
town, and the imposing words,
Western Exchange. meeting our view.
we entered and soon found welcome
home, and clever folks TO deal with
Even here, live Hoosier WIS some-
thing Of curiosity, and questions
from the inquisitive Yorkers. relative
TO the far west, and how a man felt
when he had the "agur" were fre-
quently propounded. Auburn is stu
ated on a delightful emenance, at the
outlet Of the Oswosco lake, whish fur
nishes abundan, water privilege for
manufacturing purposes. A strunger
would be delighted with the neatness
and comfortable appearance OF the
residences, and at loss 10 tell where
the poorer class, 10 be found in other
places Of It's size) can live. The broad
streets, extensive ornamental grounds.
and spacious dwellings, inspire one
with degree Of pleasure at the pros
pect, and feeling OF utter contempt
for the densely crowded avenues 10 be
found in other cities. We spent q
day very pleasantly. and l hope prof
itably. In our enthusiasm after the
beautiful, / did not overlook some Of
the dark spots. / was inside the
gloomy walls OF the great prison be-
fore night. Il only cost two shilIings,
but we think others have paid doarer
for the privilege. After passing
through the length and breadth, hcig,h
and depth, Of this vast prison house,
l was permitted to 20 out at pleasure;
boon which l am informed Is not ex-
tended 10 all who enter here. As
passed along. accompanied by our
guard. / was informed the main build
ing. inside the wall. Is some three hun
dred feet in length, and flvc stories
hight containing eight hundred cells.
These ghastly pits, with open jaws,
seemed gasping at US, as IL impatient
for prey; but when | beheld the vast
crowd OF prisoners, (some seven hun.
dred in number. rs they were dis
pcnscd about the various shops. we.
knew that in a few hours each cell
would have an occupant. who lean
ing against the wall, or seated on the
floor. would be dcvcuring his solitary
meal. Of "mush and molasses." No
doubt. IL not entirely lost to the finer
feelings that burn in the brcast-at
such an hour may be seen the peni-
tential tear. trickling down the fur
rowed check. rs the remembrance Of
sweet home, and former innocence
forces itself upon the Imagination.
II is quite interesting to see the per-
feet discipline Of this prison. Every
department appears 10 be conducted
as nicely rs in any factory when the
operatives are free; and the hands APP
pear 10 labor with gooi will for their
master, Uncle Nickerbocker.' Arti-
cles manufactured here, dre bought
and sold upon our counters every day,
without thought as to the place. or
the person who wrought them. Beau
hful carpets. and clothes Of various
kinds, furniture Of all descriptions,
edged tools and hardware in endless
variety coach lace, webbing, &c.
Boots and shoes, from The common
brogan to the most delicate gaiter,-
are all turned out at this monstrous
States Prison, at Auburn, New York.
While here l witnessed the iniatory
ceremonies Of the famous Dunlxirk
barber, "a yellow fellow Of about 80
years, who administered cloroform
TO gentlemen.-and abstracted some
fourteen hundred dollars from his
pocket. lie expiates his crime by
fifteen years hard labor,-andit Is
probable they will not even trust so
treacherous a scamp to shave convicts.
but he will have to take up another
branch Of business at which il is said
he served an apprenticeship some
ten years since. 1t is TO be hoped, IL
ever he comes ont free again. be will
be wiser and better barbor.'
This is said to be the model prison,
in the model city, of the model State
of the Union! As l intend TO visit
farther. may again be tempted to
trouble you with my jottings, and Twill
be better prepared to Judge atthe end
r