New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-12-05
TIE MASSACHUSETTS, STATE PRISON.

Correspe ndeuee Of The n. Y. Tribune.
CHARLEsToWN, Dec ,, 1855.
Events which have been Transporting trOm week
to week at this institution betoken sackness of
management we'll worthy rigid overhauling by
the Legislature shortly to convene in the State
House of our city Among other subjects calling
for amin adversion, thu two escapes among the
coLvicts during the last few months are of so ex-
traordinary character rs to reflect in remarks
Bile manner upon the eareessness of the warden
and assistants, and furnish subject OF discussion
for the Inspectors in their snnu. report to the
Executive of the Common wealth.
The escape first made was that OF an unmarried
II an having about three ears Xpired term to
serve. BY want of foresight on the part of the
Warden this prisoner was let out into the front
ward to do chores around the grounds, entirely free
from supervision. The consequence was that he
refrniptd from escape for time, just long enough
to learn the LAY OF the laod" and procure dis
guise. when he sloped for other parts and was no
more seen. 1t ought here to be observed, aud all
experience vOuebes for its truth that IN allowing
crnvicts 10 labor outsic the bounds of supervision,
choice SHOULD be made Of those who have but
few month, to serve, aud have families OF their
own 10 whom they are knO@n to be attached in
short domestic men before being put in prison
these beng the least likely to attempt an escape
in the face Of punishment to be inflicted upon
recapture, which certainly would not pay Tor the
hazard.
The second escape was that of Davis, afterward
re,aken in the City of New. York aud carried back
I rom nqiries instituted proceed to give some
details respecting this case, from which IL appears
that there is a night watchman employed to per-
ambulate the inner pr on yard and all Its various
workshops continuously through the night.
Among other duties his business is, Cat about
9 o'clock in The morhing,) TO unlock an iron door
connecting the yard with an area between the
blocks of cells attract the attention OF IN officer
ON watch n the prison pass to him through the
bars Of door certain Keys in order that the cooks
nay be liberated to go into the kitchen and pre-
pare the breakfast. Having done this, he unlocks
the kitchen.doOr and should then close the outside
door by which be first entered, placing bis back
sgahst it, as 1t has no means OF being locked on
the inside-and there stand with his revolver and
lantern until the cooks have passed by him
into the kitchen, the door Of which he
should then lock and pass into the yard,
securing the Outside door after him. But with
AL insane sense Of security, the nght-watch
man deserted his post at the outside door,
and, it is said rent into the kitchen for some
meat and bread TO appeGse has hunger! Meantime
Davis, with love of liberty natural to mOrtals,
had watched the chances for an evening flight, and
seeing good opportunity, d.rted out through the
two open doors into the darkness, and over the
walls by means of rope, which was found IN the
morning dangling in the wind. The customary
count" of prisoners at breakfast time indicated
one convict less than the number under sentence;
and while the officers wondering and cOgitat-
ing On the manner of escape, Davis was putting
miles between himself aud durance yile" The
strans est feature of the transaction remains to be
told it is this: The officer through rhose gross
care ssntss this escape uas made still holds his office
at the prison FOUcHE.