Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-12-26
TIE sTATE PRIanT.

From the Nashville PatriOLl
One of the most useful institutions in the
Confederate States is the State prison Of Ten
nessee. SO soon as the proclamation Of war was
published, and it became evident that our noble
commonwealth intended to take position with
her sisters of the South and strike FOR southern
independence, the force in the State prison was
put 70 work in the preparation Of materials Of
war, IN which we Were very deficient. Under
the able superintendent Of the keeper, w. H
johnson, Esq, it soon developed a capacity fr
usefulness, in this respect. that would not have
been deemed possible. It contributed LARGELY "a
the equipment of the volunteers called into the
field IN the early part of the year, and has since
been constantly employed on army work. We
took occasion yesterday to look through the in
s%titutiOn, and found a large portion Of he con-
victs in the manufacture Of harness for army
wagons, others engaged in making wagons, 9th
ers moldIng bullets, others making boxes for
ammunition, others making cartridges. and 9TH
ers still making shoes. There we're also some
employed in the blacksmith's shop. in the chair
mandatory, and the stone cutting Department !.
and we were glad to learn that the eooper's de-
partment will soon be in full blast, making bar
rels for the Confederate States.
All the work is executed in the best and most
substantial manner. The trained labor is en-
plOyed under a judiciOus system, and produces
more than probably double the number Of hands
would outside OF the prison. The ammunition
department Is particularly efficient. The cart
ridges for musketss earbines, rifles, pistols and
cannOns of all KINDS are rapidly made. Il is
fortunate for US that we have aYailed ourselves
of the advantages afforded by the prison for
serving this branch Of the public service.
The shoe shop is admirably managed. and
turns out daily q large number of excellent shoes
Inc shoeE made for the army are the best of the
XIII we have seen being made Of excellent
material and OF comfortable form. We found
IN TINS department, a heavy lot of negro brogans.
which we were assured were not only of sumo
rior quality, but are sold at prices which make
1t an object for buyers to make their purchases
there.
The appearance of the workshops and the
prison generally, reflects the highest credit upon
Mr.. johnson Cleanliness, ceatness and coed
order prevail, and were it not for the inevitable
uniform and CRATES, one would not realize that 1t
was other than a series CT little communities of
honest, hard-working mechanics busily occupied
with their various aiuploynents.
Last May the number OF ~c0nviets was ABS.
Since that time the number has gradually de-
creased, and is now $50, of whom 5 are females.
This decrease is owing, doubtless, to the less
rigid enforcement Of the laws, which has pre-
vailed since the Inauguration Of the war. Pre-
Yously the number constantly augmented.
We were glad to learn that the financial con-
d1tlon of the institution is good-that it Is now
yielding a handsome profit. Mr.. johnson de.
serves thanks for this results. and for his exeellent
management generally.