The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-05
LIFE OF CONNECTS
 WORKING ROADS
 FROM THE INSIDE
Negro Confined at Camp No. 6 in Unique Card to Public" Tells of
 Conditions

The humane treatment of the county convicts who work the public roads and the fine results thereby have bsen fa- vorably commented upon from time to time. The several convict camps are said to be models of cleanliness and con- venience and the loss of time through sickness among the convicts is very small Superintendent w. II. Pattie, who has charge of the system, has received many flattering notices through the press and otherwise as to the excellent manner in which the system of working the con yicts on tho county roads has been put in effect.
 He has quite a number of letters from men who have served out their time on the roads, the majority being crude in expression. but at the same time grate- ful in tone. Occasionally he gets one that is different" of whicn the fol- lowing is a sample. The writer is a regro who has just about completed hrs sentence and Is copied verbatim without the change of a single letter:
 "A Card to the Public:
 Having been a prisoner for the past Il months at camp No. county roads, l will endeavor to give to the public my experience and treatment since my detention here as prisoner, and also that of others which have come directly under my observation.
 V"My knowledge of penology is very limited as this is my first sentence to serve for violation of the law. I have always been led to regard prison sen tence with horror and to expect nothing less than harsh and cruel treatment
 '"ro Capt. w. b. Moore, who has charge of this camp, too much cannot be said as to his efficiency as a manager, nor his humanity and kindness to his men. He is quite a disciplinarian. though just and humane.
 "'I know that he gives his personal att tention to the welfare and comfort of all prisoners under him, and all of the prisoners concur in my opinion that he is one of the most excellent gentlemen that it has been our good fortune to meet.
 And must add that the board of rev. enue and Capt. w. H. Pattie were very fortunate in securing the services of a gentleman so well fitted to fill the po- sition he now occupes. And the young gentlemen employed as guards under Capt. Moore are to be highly commended for efficiency and department. Ana now I must further add all that am capaci- tated to write of Capt. w. H. Pattie. But am afraid that the English language will rot adequately express the high regard of myself and my fellow prisoners But suffice 1t to say that he is the me plus ultra of gentlemen.
 ''I believe he has striven to make prison life pleasant as possible. He has even provided the prisoners with musical in- struments to while away the dull hours when not at work. l will attemp. to describe the Christmas dinner provided for us.
 "A glimpse of the tables laden with delicacies would have tickled ths palate and made the mouth of an epicure water.
 Menu:
 Roast Pork a la Shades Mountain. Pro-
 fuse quantities)
 Bread, Cakes and Pies of Every Descrip-
 tion
 Fine Oranges and Apples
 Candies Cigars Coffee A substantial pair of gloves and kerchief.
 And as we left the dining room each man felt that God had not made callous the hearts of all men toward the poor unfortunate convict. And before closing, I must mention the condition that Cap tain Moore's camp is kept in. The sanitary condition is perfect only Seven days each week. and is ready for the most rigid inspection at any hour of the day or night. I will further add that I am not writing this communication with the ex- pectation of gain or advancement vSr to flatter anyone. but simply to express my true sentiments. as my further detention here is of short duration.
 With kindest regards and best wishes for all in authority over me. l am sub missively your humble servant.
 HENRY MENTION. (Col)'