The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1885-07-15


1--WE find that Simon Daniels came to
his death from diarrher and general de-
bility."
Drs. Taggart and johnson agree with
the verdict Of the jury.
The following report was submitted
to Col. Lipscomb by DR.. Pope, the ply
sician Of the Penitcntiary:
Sir: herewith hand you my report
as to the condition Of the convict camp
Of Mr. A. j: Twiggs, which was in
spected on tho 18th Of the present
month. There are now, all told, 1O3
convicts, who arc under the immediate
control of Mr.. Carroll. Out Of this
number sc were at work, two were cook
ing, one washing, one blacksmithing
and three sick or injured. The stock
adc buildings are sufficiently large and
we'll ventilated and the camp is we'll To-
Gated. Those who were in on account
Of sickness or injuries were George
Wilson, lamcd by shackels; Hiram
Lighths, suffering from effects Of a
burn on the foot, and Henry Porter,
who was disabled by injuries received
at the hands Of Mr.. Jackson, who had
been placed in charge Of the camp dur
ing Mr.. Carrolrs absence. This oc-
currod three weeks ago, and, as evidence
Of the severity Of the whipping inflicted,
! would state that the tissues have
sloughed, leaving m open sore eighteen
inches long by ten inches wide. The
punishment must bavc been very cruel;
1 doubt his complete recovery. The
condition Of those who were at work
was very fair, with but.a single excep-
ton. Frank Smiley had also been Sc
verely whipped by Jackson, and was
quito unwell. He was sent back to the
hospital at once and treatment COM
menced. There were also slight scars
over the bodies Of several Of the other
convicts, all of which was attributed to
this same Jackson. The hands are be-
ginning to show some signs of scnrvy
among them. The bedding was not
Hcan and there was lack Of straw.
The quantity Of food was sufficient, but
fresh vegetables are sorcly needed.
a portion Of the convicts walk 1T least
two and half miles TO their work,
which is too long walk for men in
shackles. According to Mr.. Carroll's
own statement the meniare out by 4.3O
a. m, and do not return until at night,
excluding the two hours given at noon.
and it leaves thirteen working hours. l
think that under the circumstances the
hours for work are too long. Mr.. Car
roll promises to rcctify as soon Ms posi-
BILE. No complaints of cruelty were
made against Mr.. Carroll. but rather cx-
prcssions of confidence. I examined
the body Of Sim Daniels, which was
taken up by the Coroner. and saw no
evidence Of recent punishment. AS to
the condition of the seven convicts re-
turned from this road, append DR..
Gaubert's opinion ] fully concur with
him. In conclusion would state that
each inan was subjected to a thorough
examination.
DR.. Gaubcrt's statement is as fol-
lows:
d. s. Pope, NJ. D.-Dcar Sir: Dur
ing your absence attended to the du-
ties you requested me to perform, a part
Of which was to examine carefully the
seven convicts returned from the Sa.
vannah Valley Railroad, and could find
no indication Of ill treatment or cruelty
in their cases.
Why the Convicts are not Returned
to the Penitentary.
STATE OF SoUrH CAROLINA.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
COLUMBIA. s. c., June 20, 1859
Col. T. J. Lipscomb, Superintendent,
Penitentary, Columbia, s. C.-Dear Sir
I have received your report with accom-.
panyins papers Of the investigation
made by you Of the convicts now em.
ployed on the Savannah Valley Rail.
road. In conversation with you on the
subject understood you to say that ir
your opinion and in that Of the surgeon
Of the Pcnitentiary the return Of these
convicts to the prison at this time would
be prcjudicial to the interests Of the in
stitution.
would request that you submit your
views on this subject in writing, togeth
or with the opinion of the surgeon Of th'
Pehtitentiary.
Very respectfully.
II. s. THOMPSON, Governor.
SUPERINTENDENT's OFFICE,
3. 9. PENITENTiARY.
! COLUMBIA, June 20. 1867
i His Excellcncy Hugh S. Thompson
Governor Of South Carolina-Sir
have the honor to say in answer to you
; com mnnication of thia date that In M,