Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-02-03
Correspondence Of the Bradford RepOrter)
Visit to the Eastern PenitentiarY.
HARRIsRURG Jan. 1859.

HARRISBURG, Jan. 1882
j.. o. GoopMCH About seven years ago
Moses BRAMHALL was sentenced to twelve
years Imprisonment in the Eastern Peniten-
tiary. for the murder of his wife On Friday
last Mr. MYEa aud myself visited him in his
prison, with the view to learn his real condi-
tion there, and to inquire into the propriety of
making an effort for his release. AS you al
ready probably understand he has served over
seven years of bis term. His bodily health
is fair, but his mind is evidently yielding under
his confinement Mr. HoLLowEII, the very
intelligent and gentemanly Warden says, that
Mr.. BRANHALL works steadily and patiently,
has never violated rule of the prison, and by
his uniform good conduct has won the esteem
and respect of every person about the estab-
lishment, that "if there iras erer prisoner
~lthin these acalls uchO aoas truly pcnitent, and
,rho sincerely regretted the commission of crimr,
that man as Moses BRAMHALL." He says he is
an industrious, kind, innoffensive old man, has
become childish, and is astapproaching idiocy.
He thinks if heis not soon released by pardon
or otherwise, the State will be compelled to
remove him to the Insane Asylum.
With these facts before US, ought we to hest
tate to make an effort for his pardon? Have
hot the ends of justice been already fully an
swered Has he not received at the hands of
the law enough to satisfy the most exacting
friend of prison punishment Can any earthly
good result to BRAMHALI., or to society. by his
longer confinement? In fact is it not due to
humanity that he should be released These
questions are worthy of consideration.
His pardon, have no doubt, could be OBJ
tained upon certain conditions, viz: Firstly,
that the Warden, Mr.. HoLLowELI, certify the
same facts to the Governor which he has al
ready given to US, (and he informs us he would
willingly do so), and secondly, that Mr. BRAN
HALLS son, or some other of his friends, give
the requisite assurance that he shall be taken
home upon farm, or other quiet rural place,
looked after carefully, kept from becoming
charge upon the public, and especially kept
from vile influences and associations.
We visited other prisoners from Bradford,
and, as you are aware, they are numerous, and
hold prominent position among the delega-
tionS at that establishment. Most of them
were earning their board TOWNSEND, recently
arrived, was doing nothing except reflect upon
that foolish career which suddenly brought
him to his present degraded condition. con-
dition which he feels very keenly indeed 1t is
melancholy reflection that u young man, who
was once intelligent and respectable, and con-
nected with some Of the most respectable fami-
lies of his vicinity, should by evil associations
and Incorporate habits, SO soon find his way
into States prison. lie resolves TO bear M
under the disgrace, TO oEtlirc it, and eventually
redeem bis character.
There is mach connected with the workice
of that institution, which undoubtedly, would
be new and interesting to the public. There
is some improvements needed to make the in
stitution what it should be. would be glad
at some future time to glance at these things
for the bcne6t of your readers.
Yours, K.