The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-02-15
A GUileIeSS VictiilE.


No doubt you and your staff will be sur
prised to hear from me, as you know
sOlemnly vowed, after writing prayer some
time ago, which was published by Mime
apolis paper. giving description of the
supposed author, ringing me in as wife
murderer. religious fanatic. the father of
two daughters just blooming into woman
hood, and an all-round bad man. Well,
we'll let that be buried, for l am blessed
with the happy knowledge of knowing l am
single man, and am therefore conscious
that l am not so bad as painted. Knowing
you to be sympathetic dispenser of
''choc"-I mean of balm to the oppressed
will state my grievances (Which are heavy
for my little self to carry; and seek comfort
and consolation. On my arrival in this in
stitution. and after going through the
'milp'. 1 was put in a cell, which | after
wards learned was in the row
called the ''Dudes' Alley" Why
was put there l have not as yet
found out. 1t will remain an enigma, for
l am no more that species of all animal
than you are. Well, got along swimmingly
for the first two or three days, and was just
getting acclimated. l sat down one even
ing. being tired, and took view of my sur
roundings. | remarked upon the awful
stiffness that pervaded this place, when l
jumped to my feet with my hair standing on
end (what little l had left, being a fresh
fish. ~ upon hearing the most awful noise
believe my ears were ever asSailed with.
The man directly over me was either taken
with a tit, or was trying to execute a CO.
manche War-dance. AS the roof of my
abode was separated from his by sheet of
iron, it acted as good conductor for the
performance which he was going through,
and of which 1 was a helpless listener.
The next day l asked fellowclerk if there
were any wild men in this place. He said.
"NOt that | know Of; why?" Thinking l
had an interested listener. took him into
my confidence and related my experience.
He looked at me awhile and burst out
laughing. and said, THAT is the way of in
PRODUCTION i'll this place, and you'll soon get
onto the ropes" Leaving me with this
comforting assurance, [ cOmmuned with
myself and said if that is the way man be-
comes acquainted here. want to know very
few. Well. the glorious Fourth of July
was soon to be celebrated, and before the
memorable day succeeded in obtaining the
name of the individual over ME, with the
intention of politely introducing myself and
by way of a feeler ask him if he was taken
that way often. His name did not belle his
actions, for his SObriquet is Happy -.
When the g. f. arrived l singled him out,
introduced myself and asked him if his
health was not good. | guess he took
grand tumble to himself, for with smile
lurking at the corner of his mouth, said,
do you ask for the reason that l am so
quiet?" | gave him a whitening look
and replied Yes" (Oh, what lieD He
told me that he had game leg which for
some time he had been trying to timber up.
l replied that the truth of that l doubted
not l suggested gymnasium would be
desirable acquisition to this place in which
he nodded acquiescence l left him then.
and in far corner spent the rest of the day
broOding over the thought Of what l would
suffer that night. l could tell by his actions
while conversing with him, that he would
have no mercy. After we were locked up
he began to Timber" But why pour into
your ears what endured. Probably you,