The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-03-09
Incident in Prison.

At the close of the war of the Re-
bellion Burnam Wardell was made
warden of the state prison of Virginia.
On entering upon his duties he dlscov-
cred himselfin charge of a desperate
set of men,
They had been treated with great
severity. The whipping post which
stood conspicuous in the Jail yard a
grim blood besmeared specter, had
been daily used in vain to restrain and
intimidate prisoners.
Burnam Wardell looked with hor-
ror upon these things. II will have
none of them," he said.
"Such barbarity can do nothing but
create barbarians. l will establish a
new order. How should any man
grow better under such discipline? 1t
Is at war with nature. These men
however weak and sinful are still men,
with hearts fashioned after the man.
ner of my own: The same influences
that inspire nobleness in me will de-
velop the same in them. / will put
myself in right relations to these men,
my heart shall call to them aud theirs
shall answer. My faith in the Creator
inspires confidence in the creature"
Accordingly he ordered the armed
police as usual to assemble the prison.
ers in the chapel. All eyes We're fixed
on the commanding face and form of
the new keeper. And he addressed
them in such words of sympathy as
they had never heard before. HespOke
to them as men and brothers who had
fallen in weakness and sin, that should
yet rise in the strength of the nobler
element of their nature, and be hon
ored among men. That to this end
he would be to them friend and help
er. That he would defend them from
the inhuman treatment to which they
had been subject.
At the conclusion the prisoners were
dispersed, but tears glistened on many
a cheek wearing the brand of sensual
ity and sin.
Burnum, said Mrs. Wardell, ~
don't think Wallie should be allowed
to run through the shops and listen to
the conversation of these men,
II will speak Of it in the chapel"
said he. When they were assembled
he spoke of his wife's fears what
shall say to her? Give the child
his libity,' said one who seemed to
speak for many. Will you all prom
Use to utter no bad language in his hear.
ing?' All hands were instantly raised.
Then turning to the child who stood
at his side he said, 'Walle these men
will not hurt you.
He then ordered detachment to dig
up the whipping post and bring it into
the chapel. 1t was placed on the spea-
ker's stand. The lash and the other
belongings were hung on it and the
whole labeled for sale, price $50 Bibles
and 200 primers. The,offer was accept.
ed by Boston publisher. The hated
relic was placed in long box like a
coffin and borne away by the men like
a funeral.
A court was established which con-
vened daily when offences occurred,
which were surprisingly rare. The
offender was tried before jury Of pris-
oners, B. w. acting as judge, and Wal
lie was appointed sergeant of arms.
On one occasion Big Jim. the rough
est man in the building was convicted
of some offence. He demurred, insis-
ting on his innocence, and for mo-
ment seemed almost ready to resist
authority. Jimmy. said the warden
1 believe you to be guilty and you must
go to the cell. Take him along Wal
lie." The little fellow seized him by
his pataloons, the convict hesitated
only moment.
H. II. r.