The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-07-03
The Lost BOY.


We have no doubt that the following sto-
ry is but an illustration of many a case
which has occurred in the history of State
Prisons. From those who are, and have
been, conversant as inspectors, Chaplains
md Officers, with the inner life and wor-
kings of these institutions of a terrible ne
cessity, we have heard enough to satisfy us
that too seldom, rather than otherwise, is
the Executive clemency exercised towards
those who find themselves, while yet living,
the tenants Of the Tomb. This story of
: "The Lost Boy is by the editor of the San
dusky CO., Mirror, formerly Warden of the
Ohio State Penitentiary:
| had been there but few months, in
charge of the prison, when my attention was
attracted to, anda deep interest felt in nu-
merous boys and young men who were con-
fined therein, and permitted to work in the
same shops with old and hardened conyicts.
The interest was increased on every evening
as saw them congregate in gangs, marching
to their silent meals and thence to their
gloomy bedrooms, which are more like liy-
ing scpulchcrs with iron shrouds, than sleep
ing apartments. These young men and
boys, who are generally the shortest in
height, brought up the rear of the compa-
MES, as they marched to the terrible lock
step, and consequently more easily attracted
attention. To see many youthful forms and
bright countenances, mingled with old and
hardened scoundrels, whose visage betoken-
ell vice, crime and malace, was sickening to
the soul. But there was one among the
Boys, lad about seventeen years of age,
who had particularly attracted my attention
not from anything superior in his counten-
ance or general appearance, but by look
Of utter dispair which ever sat upon his brow
and the silent and accomplishing manner
in which he submitted to all the hardships
and degredations of prison life. He was Of
ten complained of by both officers and men,
and thought unnecessarily, for light and
trivial offenses against the rules ofpropriety,
yet he seldom had any excuse or apology,
and never denied charge. He took the
reprimand, and once the punishment, with
out a tear or murmer, seeming thankful that
it was no worse. He had evidently seen
better days, and enjoyed the light of home,
parents and friends, if not the luxuries Of
life. But the light of home seemed to have
gone out-his nealth was poor--his frame
fragile, and no fire beneath his dark grey
eyes. thought every night as saw him
march to his gloomy bed, would 60 and
learn his history, but with so many duties to
perform, so much to learn to do, day after
day passed, and still neglected him, having
merely learned that his name was Arthur
Lamb, and that his crime was burglary and
larceny, indicating very bad boy for one
SO young. I1e had already been there a
wear and had two more to serve. He ney-
er could outlive the sentence inflicted. He
felt it. He worked at stone cutting on the
State House, hence my opportunities for see
ing him were less than though he had work
ed in the prison yard; still his pale face
haunted me day and night, and | resolved
on the next Sabbath as he came from Sab
bath h-school, would send for him and learn
his his history. It happened, however, |
was one day in q store, waiting for the
transaction Of some business, and having
picked up an old newspaper, had read and
re-read while delayed, until at-last my eyes
fell upon an advertisement of"A lost boy"
Information wanted of a boy named Arthur
-" q will not give his right name, for
he is still living.) And then followed dis
cription of the boy, corresponding to that Of
the young convict, Arthur Lamb.
Then there was sombody cared for the
poor boy. ifindeed it was him, perhaps a
mother, bis father, his brothers and his Sis
ters were searching for him. The advertise
ment was year old-yet doubted not, and
as soon as the conviets were locked up, l
sent for Arthur Lamb. He came as mat
ter of course, with the same uncomplaining
face and hopeless gait, thinking no doubt,
that something was wrong and had been
laid to his charge.
was examining the convicts register,
!. when looked up, and there he stood, .
perfect image Of deep dispair. | asked him
his name. His reply was
"Arthur." H
"Arthur what ?' E@
ARTHUR Lamb" he answered, hesta-
tinsly. - s